The Historic Peoria Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Church Building
Originally located in Peoria, Texas, (six miles west of downtown Hillsboro on SH-22), the historic Cumberland Presbyterian Church was relocated in the early 1990s to Paschal Street, adjacent to the Hill County Cell Block Museum.
Erected in 1855, it is the oldest church edifice in Hill County. The church building is simple in design - one large rectangular room with a peaked roof. The building has since been "modernized" with indoor plumbing, kitchenette, bathroom, and HVAC. The church's original kerosine chandeliers still hang in the sanctuary, now converted to electricity.
Church 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.
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.
Book the Church
Perfect for meetings, showers, and other small gatherings.
Guidelines for Use and Charge for Renting
the Cumberland Church, Gazebo, and Grounds
These guidelines are set forth so that the building may be used in an orderly and proper manner. Your cooperation will be appreciation.
Fees for usage: Members $150 | Non-members $200 | all day until 10pm
Hill County Historical Groups or Non Profits may rent for $25
A cleaning fee of $100 and damage deposit of $100 (reimbursed if left without damages and key return) will be required at the time of rental reservation. Short-term rental (no greater than 12 hours) may not require cleaning if clean, trash removed and in order.
Reservations must be made in advance by contacting the museum at XXXX.
Responsibility requires the person using the building to pick up and return the key.
Other rules:
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No moving of furniture
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Cleaning and returning the building to order
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Seeing that all lights, fans, and HVAC unit are turned off.
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All food and drinks removed and trash taken away. The museum does not have trash removal service.
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Windows closed, shades down, and doors locked.
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No open flames.
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All minors must be accompanied by legally responsible adults. Children will not be allowed to operate appliances or play with toys (wheeled vehicles, balls, etc.).
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Nothing can be taped or tacked to the walls, secured to the floors, or hung to the ceiling without prior approval. Damage MUST be corrected or paid for.
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Chairs, tables, or equipment may not be borrowed or removed.
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No smoking in the church building or on gazebo.
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The use of alcohol will not be permitted. Wine ONLY with permission.
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All functions will cease by 10pm and no unnecessary noises please; this is a residential area.
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Person who makes reservation is responsible for the above.