"To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root."

— Chinese Proverb

What I learned today at the Dan Moody Museum: Long Passed Services of the Murphy Street Christian Church

The Moody family was a church-going group with roots in both Baptist and Methodist denominations. In fact, for many years Mary played piano for the First United Methodist Church. In thinking of old churches in Taylor, which there are many, I remembered a steeple / bell tower that I had once noticed on an almost deserted street in southeast Taylor and had to take a closer look.

Near the railroad tracks and about a block behind the Dickey Historical marker on Burkett Street stands a lonely remembrance of an almost forgotten church. The Murphy Street Christian Church, once led by Pastor M.T. Brown, served the community in the early 1900s, as the marker states, and for some years afterward. It was part of the Disciples of Christ denomination. The black and white photo of the church looks to be from the 1950s, but I can find no record of its existence other than what is pictured below.

According to internet sources, the Reverend M.T. Brown was estimated to be born in 1867 and passed away on October 15, 1917 in Dallas, though his residence was listed as Taylor. He was married to Mary (May) Brown. His burial is in the Mount Auburn Cemetery, which was also known as the Pauper Cemetery at the time. There are no names listed of his parents or any children on his death certificate.

Forgotten stories like these of people who served their community well deserve to be told. If anyone knows more about this church community or of the Brown family or any of the trustees listed on the marker, please share.

"Preserve your memories — keep them well, what you forget you can never retell."

— Louisa May Alcott