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

First Baptist Church of Marlin

Photographed By James Hulse, October 26, 2022

1. First Baptist Church of Marlin Marker

Inscription. In Aug. 1851 the Falls County Commissioners Court donated three Marlin City lots as sites for Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. Pioneer preacher the Rev. Z.N. Morrell selected a lot later designated as the southeast corner of Ward and Church streets for local Baptists. He organized the Marlin Baptist Church of Christ with 10 charter members on April 10, 1852. Early worship services were held in the log courthouse and later in a two-story schoolhouse.

A one-room brick church measuring 40 x 60 feet was erected in 1872 by Marlin builder William McComb on the property chosen by the Rev. Morrell. It served until 1898 when McComb constructed a frame edifice on the same site. In 1902 this congregation became the First Baptist Church of Marlin. The present site was purchased in 1915 to relocate the church as noise from the nearby railroad disrupted services. The Rev. S.D. Dollahite preached the first sermon in the new structure in 1929. Education buildings were added in 1950 and 1975. The church bell, about 80 years old, was placed in a brick frame on the church grounds in 1976. This fellowship established a mission, originally known as Perry Street Baptist Church, which later became Trinity Memorial Baptist Church.

Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

1651.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is April 10, 1852.

Location. 31° 18.458′ N, 96° 53.652′ W. Marker is in Marlin, Texas, in Falls County. Marker is at the intersection of Coleman Street and Oaks Street, on the right when traveling west on Coleman Street. The marker is located on the right side of the front entrance to the church and slightly covered by hedges. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 Coleman Street, Marlin TX 76661, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hot Mineral Water (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Early Hilton Hotel (about 600 feet away); First United Methodist Church (about 700 feet away); The First Presbyterian Church of Marlin (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marlin (approx. ¼ mile away); Captain Henry Gray Carter (approx. ¼ mile away); Allen House (approx. ¼ mile away); Falls County Courthouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marlin.

Also see . . . Marlin, TX. Texas State Historical Association

Marlin, the county seat of Falls County, is at the intersection of State highways 6 and 7, four miles east of the Brazos River near the center of the county. The site was that of Sarahville
Photographed By James Hulse, October 26, 2022

2. The First Baptist Church of Marlin and Marker
The marker is located on the right front corner of the church behind some bushes.
de Viesca, established in 1834 by Sterling Clack Robertson on the west side of the falls of the Brazos. The town was named to honor John Marlin, a pioneer patriot. Samuel A. Blain, his son-in-law, laid out the streets and lots and drafted a map around a square. Lots for Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist churches were the first to be chosen.

(Submitted on October 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 162 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 28, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.