Quitman in Wood County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Baptist Church of Quitman

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

1. First Baptist Church of Quitman Marker

Inscription. One of the earliest churches in Wood County. Organized Nov. 16, 1850, by pioneer settlers in a meeting moderated by a Cumberland Presbyterian, the Rev. Simon W. Weaver. Charter members included: Ursula Benton; M. M. and Mary Bigham; James, Robert, Silas, Mary A. L., and Elizabeth Duncan; Joseph, Alexander, and Martha Greer; Peter, Frances, and Mary Rozell; James N. Stedman; and John and Augusta Williams.

Worship services were held in homes and open air in early days. A 2-story building with belfry was erected at College and Good streets in 1855 by the Presbyterians and Masons. In 1865 the Masons bought that building and made it available to all faiths until its razing in 1900. On same lot, Baptists and Masons erected another 2-story frame edifice. Under capable pastors, congregation grew. A 1929 building at Lane and College streets was replaced by the present plant in 1952. This bell (used from 1855 to 1929) is preserved as an historical relic.

The pulpit here has been filled by notable guests, including the Rev. George W. Truett, world-renowned minister of Dallas. This is also noted as the home church of James Stephen Hogg (1851-1906), the first native-born Governor of Texas.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8955.)

Topics. This historical marker

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is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is October 16, 1850.

Location. 32° 47.875′ N, 95° 26.963′ W. Marker is in Quitman, Texas, in Wood County. Marker is on East Lane Street east of Sissy Spacek Drive, on the left when traveling east. Mounted in a free-standing brick structure. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 East Lane Street, Quitman TX 75783, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wood County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); James Stephen Hogg (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Cathey Buildings (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ambrose Fitzgerald (approx. ¼ mile away); County Divided into School Districts (approx. ¼ mile away); J. H. Jones and the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds (approx. half a mile away); James Stephen Hogg's Early Home (approx. half a mile away); James A. Stinson Home (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Quitman.

First Baptist Church of Quitman and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

2. First Baptist Church of Quitman and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.