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

First Baptist Church of Gatesville

Photographed By James Hulse, March 2, 2023

1. First Baptist Church of Gatesville Marker

Inscription. Organized in 1856 with fewer than a dozen members, this congregation has been a part of Gatesville history for more than a century. The first meeting of the congregation was held in the Coryell County Courthouse, and early worship services were conducted in the homes of members. The Rev. W.A. Mason was the congregation's first pastor.

A stone building was erected in 1866 to serve as a community school and house of worship for all denominations. The Baptist congregation met in the Union Church until 1872, when its first sanctuary was built on the corner of Bridge and 7th Streets. An increase in membership necessitated the building of a larger sanctuary. This property was acquired, and a new frame building was completed in 1883. It served the congregation until 1936, when it was replaced by a larger structure. Additional facilities were built over the years to accommodate the growing programs of the church.

An important part of Gatesville's history, this congregation continues to honor its founders and pioneers while serving the community with ongoing outreach programs.

Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1632.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location.

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31° 26.087′ N, 97° 44.786′ W. Marker is in Gatesville, Texas, in Coryell County. Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street (U.S. 84) and South 10th Street, on the left when traveling west on East Main Street. The marker is located on the right side of the front entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 912 East Main Street, Gatesville TX 76528, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gatesville (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hammack Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Coryell County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. John Calhoun Bates (approx. ¾ mile away); Restland Cemetery Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Jesse Graham (approx. 0.8 miles away); 1904 Leon River Bridge (approx. 0.9 miles away); Cotton Belt Depot (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gatesville.

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

Gatesville, the county seat of Coryell County, is on the Leon River at the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and State Highway 36, eighty miles north of Austin in the central part of the county. It was established on land donated by Richard G. Grant shortly after the county was organized in 1854 and took its name from nearby Fort Gates.

(Submitted on March 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The entrance to the First Baptist Church of Gatesville and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 2, 2023

2. The entrance to the First Baptist Church of Gatesville and Marker

The view of the First Baptist Church of Gatesville from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, March 2, 2023

3. The view of the First Baptist Church of Gatesville from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on March 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 82 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.