Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The First Baptist Church
Of Huntsville
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
1. The First Baptist Church Marker
One of the earliest Baptist congregations in Texas, this church was organized in 1844 by the Rev Z.N. Morrell, who served as first pastor. The Rev. J.W.D. Creath, a missionary from Virginia, was the second, and the Rev. G.W. Baines, known now as an ancestor of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was the third. General Sam Houston, ex-president of the Republic of Texas, was a member. The congregation dedicated its first church building in 1851; it was on this site. A bell added in the 1850s became a pride of the city.This church hosted the Baptist State Convention five times in the 1850s and 60s. One of the first regular Sunday schools in Texas functioned here by 1864. Blacks in the membership requested and received letters of dismission in 1868, to organize a church of their own. After Sam Houston Normal Institute (now Sam Houston State University) was established in 1879, many of its people came to augment the leadership in this church.
The congregation has erected houses of worship in 1891, 1924, and 1954. Throughout its history, it has promoted and financed mission work, and has helped to organize and encourage other
this page online
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8450.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 30° 43.314′ N, 95° 32.922′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection of Avenue J and 13th Street, on the right when traveling north on Avenue J. The marker is located on the southwest section of the church grounds by the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1229 Avenue J, Huntsville TX 77340, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic Church Bell (a few steps from this marker); Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Brick Academy (about 600 feet away); Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. (about 600 feet away); Huntsville "Walls" Unit (about 600 feet away); First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge (about 600 feet away); Sam Houston Whittling Site (about 700 feet away); Henry Opera House (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
2. The First Baptist Church Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
3. The view of the First Baptist Church and Marker from the street
Photographed By James Hulse, August 21, 2021
4. The First Baptist Church Of Huntsville
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 94 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
