Marshall in Harrison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023
1. First Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
First Baptist Church. . John Bryce (1784-1864), Baptist missionary and secret agent for U. S. President John Tyler during Texas annexation negotiations, and the Rev. George Washington Baines, great-grandfather of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, founded this church shortly before Texas became a state in 1845. Dr. William Evans, Marshall's first physician, and other leaders of the pioneer community were among the twelve charter members. Throughout its history, this fellowship has included men and women who were leaders in the city, state, and Baptist faith. Services were held in a brush arbor or nearby log schoolhouse until 1849, when a church building was erected on this lot, donated by State Legislator James McCown (1808-55). The small frame structure was replaced by a larger building in 1892. Members of this congregation organized the Second Baptist Church in 1904. They also helped establish the College of Marshall in 1912. This junior college later became East Texas Baptist College, a four-year school which is still actively supported by this church. The present sanctuary was constructed in 1953, and the children's building was completed in 1955. A new education building and chapel were erected in 1972, completing the church complex.
John Bryce (1784-1864), Baptist missionary and secret agent for U. S. President John Tyler during Texas annexation negotiations, and the Rev. George Washington Baines, great-grandfather of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, founded this church shortly before Texas became a state in 1845. Dr. William Evans, Marshall's first physician, and other leaders of the pioneer community were among the twelve charter members. Throughout its history, this fellowship has included men and women who were leaders in the city, state, and Baptist faith. Services were held in a brush arbor or nearby log schoolhouse until 1849, when a church building was erected on this lot, donated by State Legislator James McCown (1808-55). The small frame structure was replaced by a larger building in 1892. Members of this congregation organized the Second Baptist Church in 1904. They also helped establish the College of Marshall in 1912. This junior college later became East Texas Baptist College, a four-year school which is still actively supported by this church. The present sanctuary was constructed in 1953, and the children's building was completed in 1955. A new education building and chapel were erected in 1972, completing the church complex.
Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10156.)
Location. 32° 32.761′ N, 94° 22.25′ W. Marker is in Marshall, Texas, in Harrison County. Marker is at the intersection of West Austin Street and North Fulton Street, on the right when traveling west on West Austin Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 405 West Austin Street, Marshall TX 75670, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, September 12, 2023
2. First Baptist Church and Marker
Photographed By Jeff Leichsenring, September 12, 2023
3. First Baptist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on March 22, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
