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History in
a Pecan Shell
The community was
first settled by buffalo
hunters Thomas Price and J.J. Murray in the mid 1870s. The community
was granted a post office in 1880 and named after Murray. Murray was
perhaps too close to the county seat
to develop on its own and although early figures aren’t available,
as late as 1980 there were only 29 residents. It has increased for
the 2000 census to 45. |
The 1874 Murray
Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, April 2009 |
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Historical Marker:
FM 209, W of Graham
Murray Methodist
Church
When early pioneer
Thomas Price purchased land in the old Fish Creek community
in 1874, he found an abandoned log cabin which, along with his neighbors,
he repaired and designated for use as a church. Early settlers, regardless
of denomination preferences, worshiped together in the cabin.
The Fish Creek Methodist Society was organized in 1886, and a circuit
riding minister from the Throckmorton District served the little church.
When the membership outgrew the cabin, services were held in a nearby
school from 1893 until it burned in 1897. A new school was built,
and the church met there until 1907.
The Fish Creek community became known as Murray when a new
post office was established with that name. In 1907, the W. L. Chandler
family donated land to the church, two miles west of the original
log cabin site. The church, formerly known as the Methodist Episcopal
Church South of Fish Creek, was called Chandler Chapel for a short
time, then renamed Murray Methodist Church. A church building was
erected, featuring many interior fixtures donated by members of the
congregation. The church continues to be a vital part of the community.
1986 |
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Murray Methodist
Church Tabernacle
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, April 2009 |
1907 postal
map showing Murray in SW Young
County
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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