Pelham Community of Texas

Pelham Community of Texas It was settled by newly freed slaves in 1866.

Pelham, Texas is a community on Farm Road 744 just east of the Hill county line, one mile northwest of Navarro Mills Lake and twenty-five miles west of Corsicana in west central Navarro County.

Day 2️⃣🌿Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)Spirit of PelhamThe spirit of Pelham is buil...
06/18/2026

Day 2️⃣

🌿Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

Spirit of Pelham

The spirit of Pelham is built on faith, perseverance, and a deep love for community. It lives in the legacy of families who turned land once worked in hardship into a place of education, worship, and hope for generations to come.

One powerful reflection of that spirit is the Pelham School Song, written by Sarah Douglas in 1915. More than just a school song, it was likely created to honor a growing sense of pride in a Black freedmen community that had built its own school, churches, and identity from the ground up. At a time when education for African American children was not guaranteed, the song became a celebration of progress, unity, and belonging.

The lyrics remind us of “notable Pelham,” a place rooted in early beginnings and “old famous ground,” pointing back to the land, the people, and the journey of those who came before us. It reflects pride in a community that endured struggle but chose to build something lasting—schools for learning, churches for faith, and traditions for future generations.

So when we speak of the spirit of Pelham, we are honoring more than history—we are honoring resilience, remembrance, and the voices that refused to be forgotten.

Day 2 reminds us: Pelham’s spirit is still alive because we carry it forward.

Pelham Community History Museum
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas








Day 3️⃣🌿Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)Pelham Community History MuseumThe Pelham Co...
06/17/2026

Day 3️⃣

🌿Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

Pelham Community History Museum

The Pelham Community History Museum stands as a lasting tribute to the history, resilience, and legacy of the Pelham community. The museum is housed in a historic building constructed in 1890 by the sons and grandsons of formerly enslaved people who had become landowners in the community. Originally designated as a school building, it was located near the Pelham Cemetery, with John Caruthers serving as its first teacher.

In 1920, the building was relocated to its present site by the men of the community using a mule team. For the next seventy years, it served as a fraternal lodge hall and café, remaining a central gathering place for the community until 1990.

In 2002, the historic structure was carefully renovated and dedicated as the Pelham Community History Museum during Pelham's 45th Annual Homecoming on October 12, 2002, in memory of Pelham's Trailblazers. The museum was established to preserve the stories, traditions, photographs, documents, artifacts, and memories that define one of Texas' oldest historic freedmen's communities.

The museum's preservation efforts were led by four remarkable women who served as its original curators:
◇Elayne Porter Robinson – Co-Curator and retired Dallas ISD science teacher
◇Darlene Porter Holloway – Co-curator and community historian
◇Catherine Carroll Porter– Co-curator and family historian
◇Alva Jean Blair Porter – Co-curator, retired teacher, and preservationist
Together, they devoted countless hours to collecting family histories, artifacts, photographs, and memories so that the story of Pelham would never fade away. Their dedication ensured that future generations would understand the community's enduring legacy of faith, education, perseverance, and self-determination.

Today, Alva Jean is the only living original co-curator, continuing the vision established by the museum's founders. Building upon that legacy, her daughter, Connie Porter Hicks, has taken the lead in keeping this historic freedmen's community alive. Through her active leadership and dedication, she works tirelessly to preserve the Pelham Community History Museum, protect its collections, and ensure that the history and heritage of Pelham continue to be shared with future generations.

More than a museum, the Pelham Community History Museum is a living testament to the strength and determination of those who built the community after Emancipation. It stands as a place of remembrance, education, and inspiration—honoring Pelham's trailblazers while preserving their legacy for generations to come.
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas
Carruthers & Porters of Pelham Texas
Navarro County Historical Society









Day 4️⃣🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)Historical Marker 4 - Ash Creek (Pelham) Sc...
06/16/2026

Day 4️⃣

🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

Historical Marker 4 - Ash Creek (Pelham) School

The Ash Creek (Pelham) School Historical Marker (No. 15785) was erected by the Texas Historical Commission in 2009 as the fourth official historical marker in Pelham. The marker commemorates the history of a school established in 1899 within this historic African American freedmen's community and recognizes its lasting impact on education in the area.

The school began in 1899, with classes held at nearby Wesley Chapel Church until a two-story schoolhouse was constructed near Pelham Cemetery in 1908. As the community grew, so did its commitment to education.

In 1921, the school trustees purchased three acres of land to build a larger facility with partial funding from the Rosenwald Foundation of Chicago, making Ash Creek School one of the region's Rosenwald Schools. Serving students in all twelve grades, the school provided graduates with opportunities to pursue higher education at colleges and universities, leaving a legacy of learning and achievement that continues to inspire today.

Marker Inscription. Ash Creek School District No. 105 began in 1899 in the historically African-American Pelham community. School was held in Wesley Chapel Church until 1908 when a two-story schoolhouse was built near the Pelham Cemetery. The first principal was T.J. Douglas. The Pelham School operated for all 12 grades, allowing students to attend colleges and universities after graduation. In October 1921, trustees bought three acres for a new school partially funded by the Rosenwald Foundation of Chicago. The new schoolhouse had four large classrooms and two smaller rooms. In 1962, a new Pelham School building opened. The high school closed in 1965, and three years later all grades consolidated with Dawson Independent School District.

As we continue our Juneteenth countdown, we honor the vision and determination of a community that believed education was the pathway to opportunity. The legacy of Ash Creek School reminds us that knowledge, perseverance, and hope have always been at the heart of Pelham's story—and that legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Rosenwald.Archive.Fisk
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Pelham Community History Museum












Day 5️⃣🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)Historical Marker 3 - Wesley Chapel UMCThe ...
06/15/2026

Day 5️⃣

🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

Historical Marker 3 - Wesley Chapel UMC

The Wesley Chapel Methodist Church marker was erected in 1995 by the Texas Historical Commission (Marker Number 11644). Dedicated to the history of the congregation founded in 1877, the marker commemorates the state's sesquicentennial and honors the area's rich Freedman community heritage.
The marker honors one of Pelham's oldest and most enduring institutions of faith. Founded by Rev. Austin Lockhart, the congregation first gathered in a log schoolhouse before establishing a church near present-day Pelham Cemetery. Sanctuaries were later built at the current location in 1911 and again in 1934.

Marker Inscription:
This congregation was established at the Forks of Richland and Ash Creeks in 1877 by the Rev. Austin Lockhart, an itinerant Methodist minister of the West Texas Conference. Initial services were held in a nearby log schoolhouse and later in a church building near the present-day Pelham Cemetery. New sanctuaries were erected at this site in 1911 and in 1934. Wesley Chapel Methodist Church is an important local institution with a tradition of supporting a Sunday school, choir, and numerous youth and elderly outreach programs and activities for members of the rural Pelham community.
Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845–1995
"In memory of Elmer O. Porter, descendant of William Porter

For nearly 150 years, Wesley Chapel has served as a place of worship, education, fellowship, and community outreach, playing a vital role in preserving the faith and heritage of Pelham's residents. The church continues its ministry today as part of the Horizon Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church, carrying forward a legacy of service across generations.

The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas
Pelham Community History Museum
Central Texas Conference
Carruthers & Porters of Pelham Texas














🎉 The Pelham Community is proud to recognize Faith Boyd (Carruthers Descendant), who served as Grand Marshal of the 2nd ...
06/15/2026

🎉 The Pelham Community is proud to recognize Faith Boyd (Carruthers Descendant), who served as Grand Marshal of the 2nd Annual Corsicana Juneteenth Parade

During the celebration, Corsicana Mayor Joe Hill presented Faith Boyd with a Certificate of Honor in recognition of her dedication to community improvement and service.

We celebrate her leadership, legacy, and continued commitment to strengthening our communities.
City of Corsicana
Pelham Community History Museum
Carruthers & Porters of Pelham Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas The Churches of Pelham, Texas








📸 David Beal

Day 6️⃣🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)Historical Marker 2 – Pelham CemeteryThe Pe...
06/14/2026

Day 6️⃣

🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

Historical Marker 2 – Pelham Cemetery

The Pelham Cemetery Historical Marker, erected in 2006, commemorates the history of this African American burial ground established in the years following the Civil War.

Marker Inscription:
This cemetery has served the African American community of Pelham since the late 19th century established in the years following the Civil War, Pelham was at first organized by free men who had recently received their freedom. Most early residents were farmers, and agriculture continues to play an important role in the community. The settlement was originally known as Fork of the Creeks, as three creeks (Ash, White Rock and Richland) came together just south of the settlement. Today, the junction is under the waters of Navarro Mills Lake.

The earliest marked burial is that of Isaac Franklin (d. 1880), although there may be earlier, unmarked graves. Another early burial is of Elizabeth Allen (d. 1882), members of early families including the Caruthers (Carruthers), Porters and Stanfords constitute other notable burials here.

The cemetery is divided by a road into a western and an eastern portion, both of which contain graves. The Pelham Cemetery Association, established to care for the site in the late 1930s, still maintains the historic burial ground.

Today, Pelham Cemetery continues to serve area residents.

The Pelham Cemetery Historical Marker (Marker No. 13903) was erected by the Texas Historical Commission and designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery. Visitors can learn more through the Texas Historical Commission or The Historical Marker Database.

Pelham Community History Museum
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas
Carruthers & Porters of Pelham Texas








🎉 Today, Corsicana celebrated Juneteenth with its 2nd Annual Parade and Community Festival!The Pelham Community is proud...
06/13/2026

🎉 Today, Corsicana celebrated Juneteenth with its 2nd Annual Parade and Community Festival!
The Pelham Community is proud that Alva Jean Blair Porter was honored by the Navarro County Democratic Party, riding in the parade as the Matriarch and Historian of the Pelham Community.
Thank you to the City of Corsicana for recognizing her lifelong dedication to preserving the history and legacy of Pelham. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
Pelham Community History Museum
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Carruthers & Porters of Pelham Texas





Day 7️⃣🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)The First Marker, The First StoryThe first ...
06/13/2026

Day 7️⃣

🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

The First Marker, The First Story

The first historical marker in Pelham is the Pelham Community Historical Marker. Erected in 1975, this subject marker tells the story of Pelham's origins as an African American freedom colony established after 1866.

The marker is located in Navarro County on FM 744, on the east side, approximately 300 feet northeast of CR 3280 at Pelham Settlers Park.

Marker Inscription:
First called Forks of the Creek, this town was settled by Black families after 1866. Wesley United Methodist Church, which housed the first school, was organized in 1878 and moved near the present cemetery in 1890. Brown's Chapel A.M.E. Church was formed in 1905 and Union Baptist in 1916. Granted a post office in 1898, the town was renamed Pelham by postmaster Lewis Richie's wife for her home in Alabama. Population peaked at 350 in 1926. The post office, schools, stores, cotton gin, and telephone company that served the village are now gone, but the community heritage remains strong.

To learn more, view the Pelham Community listing in The Historical Marker Database or search Texas Historical Commission Atlas Number 5349011621 using the Texas Historical Commission online Atlas search tool.

As we continue our countdown to Juneteenth, we celebrate the enduring legacy of the families whose faith, resilience, and determination built the foundation of the Pelham community that continues to thrive today.

Pelham Community History Museum
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas









Day 8️⃣🌿Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)Faith Built the FoundationThe historic churc...
06/12/2026

Day 8️⃣

🌿Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

Faith Built the Foundation

The historic churches of Pelham have long been places of worship, education, fellowship, and hope. For generations, they have served as the heart of the community, preserving faith, strengthening families, and nurturing the traditions that define Pelham.

For much of its history, the community was anchored by three foundational congregations: Wesley United Methodist Church (Wesley Chapel), Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, and Union Baptist Church.

Historic Congregations

Wesley United Methodist Church (Wesley Chapel): Established in 1878 by Rev. Austin Lockhart, Wesley Chapel is the oldest church in the community. The church building also served as Pelham's first school, making it a cornerstone of both faith and education.

Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church:
Organized in 1905, Brown Chapel became a spiritual home for many African American families who settled in the area following emancipation and has remained a vital center of worship and community life.

Union Baptist Church: Founded in 1916, Union Baptist joined Wesley Chapel and Brown Chapel in establishing the annual Pelham Community Homecoming, a cherished tradition that continues to bring generations together in celebration of their shared heritage.

Today, Wesley Chapel UMC and Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church continue to work together in fellowship, hosting worship services and community events that honor Pelham's rich legacy of faith and unity. Although Union Baptist Church closed in 2012, its impact and contributions remain an enduring part of the community's history. The two remaining congregations currently rotate worship services at 10:00 a.m., carrying forward the spirit of cooperation that has long defined Pelham.
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas
Pelham Community History Museum








Day 9️⃣ 🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)From Forks of the Creek to PelhamOriginal...
06/11/2026

Day 9️⃣
🌿 Countdown to Juneteenth: Celebrating 160 Years of Pelham (1866–2026)

From Forks of the Creek to Pelham

Originally settled and called “Forks of the Creek”, fed by three creeks on the western edge of Navarro county, the town grew after emancipation by newly freed African American families. It became one of Texas's rare all- black communities where residents received 200-acre land grants, built farms, achools, churches, and even fielded a state champion baseball team.
Granted a post office in 1898, the town was later renamed Pelham when Postmaster Lewis Richie’s wife chose the name after her hometown in Alabama. Pelham created a lasting home for generations of families whose stories continue to shape our history.
Pelham Community History Museum
The Churches of Pelham, Texas
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church - Pelham, Texas




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FM 744
Pelham, TX
76648

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