Port Neches in Jefferson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Port Neches
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 5, 2021
1. First Baptist Church of Port Neches Marker
This Baptist church, the first in Port Neches, organized in October of 1910. Twelve charter members held Baptist services in a one-room schoolhouse. These church founders were Mr. & Mrs. John Livingston, Mr. Horace Livingston, Mr. & Mrs. R.E. Rachford, Mr. & Mrs. D.A. Bibbs, Mr. & Mrs. Gillie Peveto, Mr. Arthur K. Peveto, Mrs. Abbie Block and Mr. Ollie Williams. In 1914, Mrs. R.E. Rachford donated property at the corner of Dearing Street and Avenue B for the construction of the churchs first building, which was completed in 1917. W.H. Fortney became the churchs first full-time pastor in 1918, and during his tenure, the frame building was removed from the property to make way for a newer, larger brick sanctuary that was completed in 1927. A devastating fire destroyed the 1927 structure on January 10, 1940, and all early church records were lost. A replacement frame building was constructed on the site in 1941, but the congregation voted to purchase property on Magnolia Avenue in 1946; services were first held at the new location in June, 1957.
Church programs include Sunday school, vacation bible school, youth activities and bible study. Expansion and renovations to the church plant have allowed the church to continue its mission in the community. Adult and student mission trips, sponsorship of Woodcrest Mission (1969-1983), and support of new churches are part of the mission emphasis of the church. Today, First Baptist Church of Port Neches continues to serve as a spiritual and social beacon to its congregants and to others in Port Neches and surrounding areas.
Marker is property of the State of Texas
Erected 2010
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 29° 59.177′ N, 93° 58.26′ W. Marker is in Port Neches, Texas, in Jefferson County. It is on Magnolia Street north of Sixth Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1900 Magnolia Street, Port Neches TX 77651, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Texas’ Golden Triangle. It is also in the American South, on the Gulf Coast, and in the Piney Woods. 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: First United Methodist Church Of Port Neches (approx. 0.7 miles away); St. Elizabeth Catholic Community
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, April 5, 2021
2. First Baptist Church of Port Neches Marker
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, January 16, 2026
3. First Baptist Church of Port Neches
Credits. This page was last revised on January 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 331 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 12, 2021, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. 3. submitted on January 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas.
