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

First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 24, 2023

1. First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches Marker

Inscription. In 1884, the Baptist General Association of Texas sent Luther Rice Scruggs to start Baptist work in Nacogdoches, which was beginning to grow following the 1883 construction of the Houston, East and West Texas Railroad through the town. Before this, there was no Southern Baptist church in Nacogdoches. Scruggs began to hold services and by 1885, he and 13 charter members had organized a church. The next year, the congregation built a sanctuary on 411 North Street. Working with noted local architect, Diedrich Rulfs, members in 1899 replaced their first wood-frame building with a larger sanctuary that included Sunday School rooms and a Fellowship Hall below. In 1928, the church added a brick educational building and in 1942, members replaced the previous sanctuary and Fellowship Hall with a larger brick complex.

From the beginning, members have been actively involved in the community cooperating with local Methodists to close several open saloons. The church has also stressed local missions, planting three which became established churches: Fredonia Hill Baptist Church in 1923, Memorial Baptist Church (now Iglesia Bautista

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Memorial) in 1948, and Calvary Baptist Church in 1956. The congregation has actively worked with Stephen F. Austin University since 1923 to establish and support a Baptist bible teacher position and a Baptist Student Union, a ministry that has continued to be important to the church through the years. Historically, members have also been active in mission activities outside of the local community. Today, as one of the oldest area congregations, First Baptist Church continues to serve as a spiritual leader in Nacogdoches.

Erected 2010 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16452.)

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

Location. 31° 36.418′ N, 94° 39.301′ W. Marker is in Nacogdoches, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. It is at the intersection of North Street (Business U.S. 59) and Baxter Duncan Street, on the left when traveling north on North Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 411 North Street, Nacogdoches TX 75961, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 24, 2023

2. First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches 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: Site of the home of Charles S. Taylor (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); La Calle Real del Norte (about 500 feet away); Syrup Kittle (about 500 feet away); Welcome to Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens (about 500 feet away); Durst-Taylor House (about 500 feet away); Site of the home of James Dill (approx. 0.2 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Nacogdoches (approx. 0.2 miles away); Washington Square (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nacogdoches.

First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 24, 2023

3. First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches

Credits. This page was last revised on April 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 615 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.