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History in
a Pecan Shell
Named after local
doctor and early resident "Snap" Cariker, the community was settled
sometime after the Civil War. A post office was granted in 1899 but
closed its doors seven years later. After the closing, mail was rerouted
through Carthage.
Snap, seems to have peaked in the 1930s when it was comprised of a
church, cemetery and store (but no school). In the mid 1930s the population
was less than 10 people. Postwar prosperity (see WWII)
affected Snap as it did most towns and the community declined. The
lone store closed.
Today, a church, cemeteries and some scattered residences remain. |
Cedar
Grove Baptist Church
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, April 2012 |
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Historical
marker:
At 1050 CR 108
6 miles SW of Carthage
Cedar Grove
Baptist Church
Soon after the
Civil War, settlers established a community here, naming it Snap after
Snap Cariker, a physician and early resident. On May 14, 1905, several
members of what was known as Six Mile Church met under the
leadership of the Rev. W.A. Reagan and organized the Baptist Church
of Christ at Old Six Mile Church. They continued meeting in the
facilties of their former congregation until making plans to build
their own sanctuary in 1911. At that same time, members changed the
congregational name to Cedar Grove Baptist Church of Christ,
dedicating a new sanctuary in 1912 and establishing a Sunday school
program. Four years later, the congregation became affiliated with
the Panola County Baptist Association, and within a few more years
it became known simply as Cedar Grove Baptist Church. The church
later affiliated with other area associations, and preachers from
nearby towns led services once a month.
The largely agricultural community of Snap supported several businesses
until World War
II, after which its population slowly declined. The church, however,
continued to grow throughout the 20th century, eventually conducting
services twice monthly and in 1951 establishing a full-time pastorate.
The congregation supported numerous programs during its first century,
including women's, men's and youth service and study groups, and annual
vacation Bible school. Continuing to grow, the congregation also continued
to build new facilities for its various programs.
More than one hundred years after its founding members first met as
a congregation, Cedar Grove Baptist Church continues its work and
service. Family-oriented, the church provides a focal point for the
numerous residents in the area.
(2005) |
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Bethlehem Cemetery
plaque
Photo courtesy Gerald
Massey, April 2012 |
Panola
County 1907 postal map showing Snap
(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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