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

Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, September 26, 2022

1. Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Originally known as the Trinity Baptist Church in Christ, this congregation was formally organized on January 23, 1876, by the Rev. D.S. Snodgrass. Charter members included J.R. and Rachel Shaw, Mrs. S.J. Knox, O.G. Shaw, Dr. and Mrs. J.M. Arnold, and Catherine Turner. During Snodgrass pastorate, which lasted until December 1877, a Union Sunday school was organized and a sanctuary was built on land donated by the International & Great Northern Railroad.

Despite early setbacks, such as a 1909 fire that destroyed the church building, the congregation grew in numbers and provided significant service and leadership to the community. The current name was adopted. In 1934 upon the completion of a new sanctuary in memory of Dorcas Sheffield Wills.

Over the years, several members of the congregation have been licensed to preach. The Calvary Baptist Church of Trinity was formed by a group from this fellowship.

An important part of the religious heritage of Trinity, Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its nineteenth century founders.

Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7958.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is January 23, 1876.

Location.

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30° 56.78′ N, 95° 22.503′ W. Marker is in Trinity, Texas, in Trinity County. It is at the intersection of North Robb Street (State Highway 19) and East Caroline Street, on the right when traveling north on North Robb Street. The marker is located at the west entrance to the church on Robb Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 North Robb Street, Trinity TX 75862, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

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 walking distance of this marker: First United Methodist Church of Trinity (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Charles Nesbitt "Charlie" Wilson (about 400 feet away); Site of Gibson Hotel (about 600 feet away); I.N. Parker House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Waco, Beaumont, Trinity & Sabine Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Red Schoolhouse (approx. ¼ mile away); Ranald McDonald House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jacob Pope and Elizabeth Ann Barnes (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trinity.

The front entrance to the Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 26, 2022

2. The front entrance to the Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church and Marker

The view of the Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 26, 2022

3. The view of the Dorcas Wills Memorial Baptist Church from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 616 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 30, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.