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Sabine County History
McMahan Chapel

McMahan Chapel     Learn about the communities in Sabine County Texas and the rich history under six different flags. Sabine County covers most of the western shore of Toledo Bend Reservoir.
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McMahan Chapel
United Methodist Church
    In 1831, Col. Samuel Doak McMahan moved with his family from Doak's Crossing in Tennessee and built his home of logs a short distance west of the sacred ground upon which McMahan Chapel is located. McMahan Chapel was formed as a Methodist class or society in this home in September 1833. Historians record that in 1832 while traveling on horseback through the forest of Palo Gaucho Creek between ,his home and San Augustine, Col. McMahan stopped to pray and was soundly converted. He immediately began to seek a Methodist preacher who would come and preach to him, his family, and neighbors.
    The first church building erected at McMahan Chapel was of logs, in 1837, which Rev. Littleton Fowler arrived in time to help build. After nine years of noble work in Texas, Fowler died on Jan. 29, 1846. In compliance with his request, he was buried beneath the pulpit of the Chapel. The second building was erected in 1872; the third in 1900; and the present landmark Chapel was completed in 1949. All these buildings have occupied the same spot so that the grave of Rev. Fowler would not be disturbed.
    Of special interest are the beautiful stained-glass windows which memorialize early Methodists. Rev. Fowler's massive marble headstone is behind the pulpit.
    The church grounds are located on 15 acres shaded by native East Texas trees. Spacious, well-kept grounds, the historic spring of water, tables and other modern conveniences greet visitors; all those who come from far and near to visit the "Birthplace of Methodism" in Texas.
    The Chapel is open every day to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Worship services are held at McMahan Chapel at 2 p.m. on the first and third Sunday of each month. The church is located on Spur 35 off Hwy. 21 near Geneva.


Click any color image for enlargement
The Fourth McMahan Chapel Third McMahan Chapel
Methodist Church in 1900 photo
McMahans Chapel
Third McMahan Chapel
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McMahans Chapel McMahans Chapel
Historic marker (below)

Methodist medallion (front and back shown) circa 1934 - "Texas Methodist Centennial" and honoring McMahan's Chapel as the "oldest Protestant church in Texas".
McMahans Chapel McMahans Chapel

  

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