The East Texas Convention has a continuous history from 1868, the earliest year notated in its minutes.
Re-established after the war, a large influx of Georgia and Alabama settlers added to its strength.
In its early years it was generally considered a forum of Christian worship.
Throughout its history, the East Texas Musical Convention has convened annually in six East Texas counties: Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk, Smith and Upshur.
The Convention presently meets for two days in Henderson, Texas on the weekend of the second Sunday in August.