Cumberland Presbyterian Church Information
(on the Hill County Cell Block Museum property, and open on Museum Saturday hours)
History:
In 1854, Cumberland Presbyterians in Peoria organized the first church in Hill County. The organizing pastor, Rev. John S. Patton, also operated Patton’s Mill on Aquilla Creek. During the Civil War, a brick church was erected at the NE intersection of what today is Highway 22 and HCR 1320.
The brick church served the congregation until 1892, when this building was erected on that site in Peoria. This church building was constructed of cypress and originally was one single, large room, representative of Baptist and Cumberland churches erected in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Other denominations — Methodist, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic churches — had architectural styles identifiable to their ecclesiastical groups.
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For many years Peoria was the largest town in Hill County, and the congregation numbered 100 in the period prior to World War I. As rural population declined, church membership also experienced a sharp loss.
The slat pews are original to this building as is the pulpit. The pulpit chairs are from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Jessie/Chatt, 1884. The light fixtures are original to the church and fueled by kerosene, but were converted to electricity in the 1950’s. Longleaf pine floors are original, and the interior walls were void of ornamentation.
After the congregation was dissolved in 1989, the Cumberland Presbyterian Presbytery donated the building to the Museum, and it stands on the historic Hill County Jail property (1893) that for many years served as the vegetable garden for the Sheriff’s family and inmates.
Rental Information for the Cumberland Church, Gazebo, and Museum Grounds:
The following guidelines broadly outline how church may be rented for approved events.
Rental Fees for Members $150 ~ Non-members $200 (not to exceed 10 pm)
Hill County Historical Groups or Non Profits ~ $50.00 for two hour event rentals
Please include in your event budget a cleaning fee of $200.00 deposit, which covers holding your reservation, and a $100.00 deposit, which will be returned post event if the property is left in clean and undamaged condition.
Please contact the museum at 254-582-2481 to request consideration of your event rental. Keys will be provided with coordination in advance.
Facility Use Rules and Regulations
The furniture and furnishings of the church may not be rearranged.
You agree to clean the premises and remove all decorations and trash from the property after the event.
You agree to ensure that all lights, fans, and HVAC systems are turned off after your event.
Open flames, candles, catering fuel, or any similar items that create a fire risk are not permitted.
After the event, all windows must be closed, shades lowered, and doors securely locked.
Children and minors must be accompanied by a legally responsible adult at all times and may not operate appliances or play with toys or items, including wheeled vehicles or balls, that could damage the property.
No adhesive materials, tape, push pins, tacks, or similar items may be attached to the walls, floors, or ceiling.
Furnishings, equipment, and other items belonging to the building may not be borrowed, removed, or taken off the property.
Smoking is not permitted in the building, gazebo, or anywhere on the grounds.
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the property unless approved in advance.
Events must conclude no later than 10:00 p.m.
The person signing the reservation agreement will be considered the responsible party for ensuring compliance with these event guidelines and will be held responsible for any damages that occur.
Any decision to refuse a rental shall be made by the volunteer museum board. No rental decision will be based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.
Please call 254-582-2481 if you have questions about the Cumberland Church, the Cell Block Museum, or other matters concerning the property, tours, or rental information.
Other Information and Resources:
Hill County Information from Geneology Trails
Hill County Geneology Project TxGenWeb
Our Historical Markers and War Memorials
Hill County in the Texas Almanac
Hillsboro City Library Geneology Resources