Floresville in Wilson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Floresville
Photographed By Brian Anderson, February 17, 2019
1. First Baptist Church of Floresville Marker
Inscription.
First Baptist Church of Floresville. . This congregation was established by The Rev. John Washburn, who came to Texas from Illinois in 1877. He moved to Floresville to become superintendent of the Floresville Academy in May 1878. According to tradition, about 20 charter members attended the organizational meeting of this fellowship on Aug. 25, 1878, at the Wilson County Courthouse. The charter members included County Judge and Mrs. B. F. Ballard and Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Rhode. A merchant, Rhode opened the second store in town. His wife taught Sunday School in this church for over 60 years. Another early leader, S. Allen Franklin, served as lay preacher on occasion., Worship services were held in the courthouse until 1889. In that year, the congregation bought this property, originally part of eight leagues granted to Juan and Simon Arocha, and erected a simple church building measuring 40 ft. by 60 ft. In 1905 the structure was remodeled and enlarged. A two-story education facility was added in 1916. The original sanctuary was torn down in 1953 and a new church building erected on the same site. A fellowship hall, library, and pastor's study were added in 1973.
This congregation was established by The Rev. John Washburn, who came to Texas from Illinois in 1877. He moved to Floresville to become superintendent of the Floresville Academy in May 1878. According to tradition, about 20 charter members attended the organizational meeting of this fellowship on Aug. 25, 1878, at the Wilson County Courthouse. The charter members included County Judge and Mrs. B. F. Ballard and Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Rhode. A merchant, Rhode opened the second store in town. His wife taught Sunday School in this church for over 60 years. Another early leader, S. Allen Franklin, served as lay preacher on occasion.
Worship services were held in the courthouse until 1889. In that year, the congregation bought this property, originally part of eight leagues granted to Juan and Simon Arocha, and erected a simple church building measuring 40 ft. by 60 ft. In 1905 the structure was remodeled and enlarged. A two-story education facility was added in 1916. The original sanctuary was torn down in 1953 and a new church building erected on the same site. A fellowship hall, library, and pastor's study were added in 1973.
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1631.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is August 25, 1878.
Location.
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29° 8.108′ N, 98° 9.514′ W. Marker is in Floresville, Texas, in Wilson County. Marker is on B Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1115 B Street, Floresville TX 78114, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.
