Cotulla in La Salle County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Baptist Church

of Cotulla

Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

1. First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. In 1882 Joseph Cotulla, founder of the town, gave land for the Baptist Church building. About 1883 or 1884 a missionary, the Rev. W.D. Johnson, organized this fellowship. The congregation worshiped in the Methodist sanctuary until a frame building was erected at this site in 1889. The well-known Baptist minister and educator, the Rev. John van Epps Covey (1821-1898), preached the first sermon in the new facility. He lived in Cotulla and served as pastor at times until his death. In 1948 a new church building was constructed under the Rev. Jesse Cooke.

Erected 1979 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8131.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.

Location. 28° 26.256′ N, 99° 14.131′ W. Marker is in Cotulla, Texas, in La Salle County. It is at the intersection of Frio Street and North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Frio Street. The marker is located at the east side entrance of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 Frio Street, Cotulla TX 78014, United

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States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: La Salle County's First Artesian Well (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Old San Antonio Road (about 600 feet away); Polish Immigrant Joseph Cotulla (about 600 feet away); Kings Highway (about 600 feet away); The First United Methodist Church of Cotulla (about 600 feet away); La Salle County Veterans (about 600 feet away); Cotulla City Park (about 700 feet away); City of Cotulla Historic District (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cotulla.

Also see . . . Cotulla, Texas. Wikipedia

Immigrant Joseph Cotulla, who was reared in Silesia, then a part of Prussia, migrated to the United States in the 1850s. He joined the Union Army in Brownsville, Texas.
Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

2. First Baptist Church Marker
He lived in Atascosa County, but arrived in La Salle County in 1868 to establish what became a large ranching operation. After learning that the International-Great Northern Railroad intended to lay tracks in La Salle County, he worked to establish the town that bears his name.

In 1881, Cotulla donated 120 acres of his land to the railroad, and in 1882, a depot was constructed there. In 1883, the town was granted a post office. The same year, Cotulla became the county seat by special election.

(Submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The street view of the First Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

3. The street view of the First Baptist Church and Marker

The First Baptist Church of Cotulla image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 29, 2022

4. The First Baptist Church of Cotulla

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 257 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.