Beckville, Panola County
The first Methodist worship services for area pioneers were conducted in 1844, when the region was served as part of the San Augustine Circuit. The first pastor for the church, known originally as Liberty Chapel, was the Rev. Jeff Shook. Services were held in a community meetinghouse until 1874, when members constructed the first sanctuary. With a history dating to the Republic of Texas and before the formal organization of Beckville, the church remains an important institution to the community and the county. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986