In the 1870s and 1880s the pioneer settlement of Stony Point was a thriving agricultural community with a cotton gin, general store, gristmill, molasses mill and school. On August 17, 1878, area residents formed the Stony Point Baptist Church. Five years later A.J. Scribner and R.N. Coffey donated land to the church which now comprises part of the burial ground. In 1887 J.C. and Elizabeth Price deeded property for the first sanctuary. Destroyed by lightning in 1926, it was replaced by a smaller structure dedicated in 1938. The earliest grave in the cemetery, that of W.M. Wilson's infant son who died in 1880, predates the church's acquisition of the site. Other graves include those of pioneer settlers and leaders of the church and community. In 1938 control of the burial site was transferred to the Stony Point Cemetery Association. By ordaining early ministers and by helping with the formation of churches in the nearby settlements of Verona, Altoga, Valdasta and White Rock, Stony Point Baptist Church had a dramatic impact on the region. It continued to play a vital role until it closed in the late 1950s as a result of the area's declining population. The sanctuary is still used for funerals and for the annual decoration day services. (1982)
This page last updated: 7/15/2008 |
Stony Point Church and Cemetery Historical Marker Location Map, Melissa, Texas
|
|
Related Themes: Texas Baptist Churches, Texas Cemetery Markers, Cemeteries, Texan Graveyards,
Burial Grounds and Graves
Explore other historical Texas Cemeteries.
|
