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

First Baptist Church of Kilgore

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

1. First Baptist Church of Kilgore Marker

Inscription. On October 11, 1902, the five charter members of this congregation met and formed the Missionary Baptist Church of Kilgore. They were Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Choice, Mr. and Mrs. J.I. Choice, and Miss Lizzie Clinkscales. The Rev. P.J. Vermillion served as first pastor.

The church's first sanctuary was constructed in 1906, during the pastorate of the Rev. J.A. Lee. It served the small village congregation for nearly 30 years, until the Kilgore oil boom of the 1930s increased tremendously both the population of the town and the membership of the First Baptist Church. The original church building, located at South Martin and Main streets, was sold in 1931. The congregation met for worship services and Sunday School in the homes of its members and in various public buildings until a new brick structure was completed at this site in 1933.

Throughout its history the First Baptist Church of Kilgore has actively supported home and foreign missions, assisting in the formation of several other local Baptist fellowships. As an integral part of this community, the congregation has grown and developed to provide service and leadership for the changing needs of the people of Kilgore. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission

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. (Marker Number 9950.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 32° 23.106′ N, 94° 52.337′ W. Marker is in Kilgore, Texas, in Gregg County. It is at the intersection of East North Street and Wood Street, on the right when traveling west on East North Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 East North Street, Kilgore TX 75662, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep 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: Allis-Chalmers Pumps (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Luke's United Methodist Church (about 400 feet away); Site of Alexander Institute (about 500 feet away); The New Deal Era in Kilgore (about 600 feet away); Kilgore National Bank Building (approx. ¼ mile away); Removal (approx. ¼ mile away); During Drilling (approx. ¼ mile away); Drilling Completed, 1940 (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kilgore.

First Baptist Church of Kilgore and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

2. First Baptist Church of Kilgore and Marker

First Baptist Church of Kilgore Corner stone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

3. First Baptist Church of Kilgore Corner stone

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 454 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 23, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.