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Historical Marker:
Junction of US 69 and FM 22 on NW corner
Town of Craft
Known first as
Independence, the town of Craft grew up in the 1890s on the
railroad. When a post office was established in 1891, the name Craft
was chosen to honor Thomas J. Craft, first postmaster and community
leader. In 1896, C. D. and S. H. Jarrat and W. R. Stout began commercial
tomato growing and production here. By 1917, 90 percent of Texas'
tomatoes were shipped from this area. The town declined in the 1930s
but is important for its early role in the East
Texas tomato growing and shipping industry.
1985 |
Town
of Craft historical marker
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, October 2010 |
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Historical Marker:
From Jacksonville, S on Hwy 69,
W on CR 1629 at Hwy 22
Craft Baptist
Church
Organized in 1891
at the Shiloh Schoolhouse by members of the Baptist Church of Christ
at Corinth, this church was originally called the Baptist Church
of Christ at Shiloh. Charter members elected E.M. Carter as the
first pastor. The church was soon renamed the Baptist Church of
Christ at New Independence, reflecting its location west of the
schoolhouse. Members constructed a building in 1893, and in 1899,
they changed the name to Craft Baptist Church of Christ. A
new building was constructed in 1910, which members replaced in 1953,
a year after expanding to weekly worship services.
Up until 1944, members met for worship once a month, and twice a month
from 1944 until 1953, reflecting the difficulties in attaining fulltime
pastors in rural communities. The church has been active in providing
for the physical, spiritual and educational needs of Cherokee
County residents since its early years. Members and pastors have
a long record of involvement in education, allowing ministerial students
from Jacksonville College to preach here. Several pastors have also
served in colleges, seminaries and other educational institutions.
A number of Craft Baptist Church pastors have served as presidents
of state and national associations; others have become foreign missionaries.
Additionally, members have aided needy residents in the community
through food pantries, holiday food baskets and a benevolent fund
for utility, medical and other expenses. Today, more than 100 years
after its establishment, Craft Baptist Church continues to be a spiritual
beacon for central and northern Cherokee
County.
(2007) |
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Cherokee
County 1907 postal mapshowing craft between Jacksonville
and Dialville on the St. Louis Southwestern
of Texas RR
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
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