This historic post oak once played an important role in the religious life of early Texans, for it was under its spreading branches that the settlers secretly met and worshipped.

Under Mexican rule, religious freedom was denied those of a faith other than Catholicism, the state religion. Consequently, until the defeat of the Mexicans at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, Texans of other faiths were forced to meet in secret.

As early as 1832, settlers in the Nacogdoches area met and worshipped under this historic post oak tree, which was somewhat removed from the settlement but which had nearby a good spring of water.

In 1835, a 10-acre site around the tree was donated for use as a graveyard and church site by Dr. John M. Sparks, son of Richard Sparks, the last alcalde of Nacogdoches. The first use of the graveyard came when a child from a passing wagon train was buried.

The Old North Baptist Church is located on CR 205, approximately 4.5 mi. north of downtown Nacogdoches, just off U.S. Hwy 59. After Hurricane Ike took its toll, the historical monument and a ragged stump are all that remains of the once mighty tree. The historic church and its adjoining cemetery are still in use and are a reminder of our links to the beginnings of the state of Texas.