It’s been shocking to learn how little I knew about the incredible diversity of faith communities in and around my old hometown of Fayetteville, Texas. Back then, as I’ve blogged before, I only knew two congregations, and both of them were Catholic. Today, traveling on Hwy 159 East of Fayetteville, I pulled over to see a worship space that I’d never seen before. What I discovered is a landmark noteable for what happens inside its humble walls.
The Mar’s Hill Deliverance Church is a very simple wood-frame structure, typical of many older rural churches in the area. The church has had several additions in front and in back. The overall condition isn’t great, but it is in serviceable shape. A glimpse through the front doors reveals a rustic interior with pews and old theater seating. The most distinctive modern features inside are the two large speakers. They offer a clue to this congregation’s strength as a cradle for amazing Gospel music.
As I write this, I’ve been listening to Rev. Green and the Original Soul Invaders on a number of YouTube clips. There are few notes to determine where these were recorded, but it’s clearly not at the Mar’s Hill Church. The church’s road sign lists the service time at 9am Saturday. That suggests they may be Seventh-day Adventists, but I didn’t find the congregation on the denomination’s website. So there’s more to this story to discover, just a few miles away from my old hometown.
Mar’s Hill Deliverance Church is located on Hwy 159 approximately 6 miles east of Fayetteville, Texas