Groesbeck in Limestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Groesbeck
Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, April 19, 2026
1. First Baptist Church of Groesbeck Marker
When Groesbeck was founded in 1871, on Houston & Texas Central Railroad, Old Springfield (5 mi. NW) was bypassed. Some Baptists from the church founded there in 1846 moved here. Visited by William Carey Crane, J.B. Link, Z.N. Morrell and other great preachers, they organized this church in 1876. Growth mounted during events such as 10-day revivals held in 1880s by evangelist W.E. Penn. Early member L.L. Foster became a Texas Railroad Commissioner and president of Texas A.& M. Old Springfield Bell was used with 1914, 1950, and 1967 buildings.
Dedicated to the glory of God, this congregation seeks to be true to its purpose : (1) to share the good news of God's salvation with all men and (2) to lead each believer to the abundant life provided by Jesus Christ, "Who loved the Church and gave himself for it."
Erected 1972 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 1636.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.
Location. 31° 31.543′ N, 96° 31.981′ W. Marker is in Groesbeck, Texas, in Limestone County. It is at the intersection of North Ellis Street (State Highway 14) and West Sabine Street, on the right when traveling north on
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Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Groesbeck Lodge No. 354, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Church of Groesbeck (approx. 0.2 miles away); Limestone County Memorial (approx. Ό mile away); Limestone County Courthouse (approx. Ό mile away); Home County of Lafayette Lumpkin Foster (approx. Ό mile away); Washington High School (approx. 0.7 miles away); Groesbeck Independent School District (approx. one mile away); Faulkenberry Cemetery (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Groesbeck.
Also see . . . Old Springfield Texas. In the early 1870s the Houston and Texas Central Railroad began negotiating to buy rights of way through Springfield. When residents held out for more money than the railroad company was willing to pay, the company decided to bypass Springfield altogether. As a result, the settlement lost much of its business to towns like Groesbeck and Mexia that were on the railroad. After the courthouse at Springfield burned in 1873, Limestone County residents decided to make Groesbeck the county seat. Source: The Handbook of Texas
Photographed by James Hulse, January 8, 2021
2. First Baptist Church of Groesbeck Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, January 8, 2021
3. First Baptist Church of Groesbeck and Marker with Bell
Photographed by James Hulse, January 8, 2021
4. View of the front of the First Baptist Church of Groesbeck Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, January 8, 2021
5. First Baptist Church of Groesbeck
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 926 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 31, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 15, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
