1857 - 2007
Bascom UMC to celebrate 150th anniversary Sunday

In celebration of Bascom United Methodist Church's 150-year anniversary Sunday, Aug. 18, church members, friends and the community are invited for special services including music, tributes and displays of historical memorabilia,

In 1857 Bascom opened its own Methodist church, built on one of the highest hills in East Texas overlooking the famed scenery.

"The County Church Where Everyone Is Welcome" are the words that have greeted members and visitors alike at the church for years.

Two acres of land were donated to build the church in August of 1857 by Jesse and Eleanor Cook. The second acquisition of land was in April, 1957, when Mack and Lottie Picket sold one-half acre of land to the church for $1.

After the fellowship hall was added in 1958, the members of the church decided to construct a new Sunday School building in April of 1965, Several other remodeling projects have taken place since then, requiring a community wide effort.

The adjacent Bascom Cemetery also dates back to 1857 with the oldest marked grave that of John Pinkerton. The next oldest grave is dated 1856 and belongs to the infant son of Dr. and Mrs. L.W. Smith.

One of the earliest preachers at the church was the Reverend Caleb H. Smith, who came to Smith County in 1858 after serving in the Civil War. Every war since the founding of the church has had representatives on the roll, including the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II.

With the beginning of the church community also came a name: Bascom.

The origin of the name is difficult to determine. Some community residents believe that the church was named after Bascom Smith, the oldest son of Rev. Caleb H. Smith. However, Bascom Smith and the community were probably named after Bishop Bascom from the Methodist Episcopal Church of 1850 because several sons of Rev. Caleb H. Smith were named for prominent men in the Methodist church.

The City of Tyler was only 11 years old at the time the original Bascom Church was built. Since 1857 the church has seen countless historical events and is sure to see many more in future years.

Although Sunday is the official date of the church's beginning (making it the second-oldest church in Smith County), a more elaborate celebration is planned in October when the weather will be cooler.