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

First Baptist Church of Rockdale

Photographed by James Hulse, November 12, 2022

1. First Baptist Church of Rockdale Marker

Inscription. The community of Rockdale sprang up around a railroad camp in 1873. The Rev. B.B. Baxter arrived in 1874 and established a Baptist church with 18 charter members. The Rev. Mr. Baxter conducted services in a room above a dry goods store shared with other denominations. He was succeeded by the Rev. Vandevere, one of the 18 charter members, in 1876. At the urging of revival leader W.E. Penn and the Rev. Dr. J.H. Stripling, a simple structure was erected for worship services in 1881. A new building was erected on this site in 1919. The church grew steadily; a Latin American mission established in the 1950s became a full Southern Baptist church in 1966. A new First Baptist Church complex was built in 1972. The congregation remains active in community service and missionary work.

Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12154.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.

Location. 30° 39.436′ N, 96° 59.982′ W. Marker is in Rockdale, Texas, in Milam County. It is at the intersection of Green Street and East Bell Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Green Street. The marker is located on the right

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

side of the front entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 240 Green Street, Rockdale TX 76567, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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: Matinee Musical Club (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); George Sessions Perry (about 500 feet away); The Kay Theater (about 800 feet away); Site of Mundine Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Railroads in Rockdale (approx. 0.2 miles away); International & Great Northern Railroad Passenger Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Christian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Old City Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockdale.

Photographed by James Hulse, November 12, 2022

2. First Baptist Church of Rockdale Marker

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

Photographed by James Hulse, November 12, 2022

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

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.