HomeMy WebLinkAboutBCHC PR 10.07.2008 eijANCE
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P R E S S R E L E A S E
For Details, Contact:
Dr. Charles R. Schultz, Chairman
Entrance to Reliance Cemetery BRAZOS COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION
1200 Goode Street
College Station, Texas 77840
Phone: 979.696.8483; 979.862.1555
State Historic Marker to be Unveiled
at Reliance Church Cemetery
October 7, 2008:
On Sunday, October 19, 2008, at 12:00 noon, members of the Reliance Cemetery Association and Brazos County
Historical Commission will be on hand to dedicate a State Historic Marker for the Reliance Church Cemetery. The
134 year old cemetery has withstood the test of time and is well - deserving of this prestigious marker. The public
is invited to the dedication and the lunch that will be provided by the Reliance Baptist Church members. To get to
the Reliance Church Cemetery, turn east on F.M. 1179 from SH 6. After crossing Boonville Road, travel 6.7 miles
to the cemetery. Please see attached program.
Reliance Church Cemetery Marker Inscription:
Two Bryan attorneys, M. J Beale and B. K. Davis, donated four acres of land at this site in April, 1874 for
the purpose of establishing the Reliance Baptist church, school and cemetery. The community was originally
called Little Georgia, taking its name from the state of origin of an early 1850's wagon train of settlers.
More families from the southeastern United States arrived in the 1870's escaping economic hardships
following the Civil War by emigrating to Texas. David Lloyd ofMississippi changed the community name to
Reliance in 1873 with the organization of the Reliance Baptist Church.
W H. (Uncle Billy) Morgan established a cotton gin and general store in 1873 and also served as
postmaster. In the late 19th century, Reliance included a general store, post office, gristmill, cotton gin,
school, church and community center. As intensive cotton farming eroded the soil, area farms transformed
into extensive cattle ranches. By the 21st century the church and cemetery remained historic fixtures in an
area transitioning to rural residential development.
The cemetery is sited among century old post oak, elm and hackberry trees. The earliest marked grave dates
to 1881, although several older undated graves are believed to exist here. Community members made
additional donations of land in 1951 and 1995, nearly doubling the original size of the church and
cemetery property. The cemetery property is held jointly by the Reliance Baptist Church and the Reliance
Cemetery Association, which governs the operation and maintenance of the historical burial grounds.
For more information, contact: Lonnie L. Jones at 979.589.2970 or IOEones @tconline.net
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