Kennedale in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Kennedale
Photographed by Jason Sullivan, March 5, 2022
1. First Baptist Church of Kennedale Marker
Believed to have been organized before 1887, this congregation met for worship in a local schoolhouse and baptized new members in nearby creeks and a small lake to the tune of "Shall We Gather at The River." Land was deeded to the Kennedale Baptist Church in 1887; in 1895 the church joined the Tarrant County Baptist Association.
The Kennedale community tabernacle, shared with area Methodists, was used for larger socials and revivals. By 1896 the congregation was installed in a one-room structure of its own with the Reverend G. W. Green as pastor. A parsonage was built on church property in 1938, and by 1940 an addition to the original one room building was required. A new two-story Austin stone structure with tall stained glass windows and a balcony in the auditorium, built in 1954, was destroyed by fire in 1959. Undaunted, church members raised $3,585.65, sold the parsonage, and erected a fellowship hall. By 1961, a new church building faced east.
The First Baptist Church of Kennedale continues a proud tradition of over 110 years of community service with such programs as the Women's Missionary Union, established in August 1903, and a taped ministry for shut-ins.
Erected 1997 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12205.)
Topics. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 32° 38.814′ N, 97° 13.348′ W. Marker is in Kennedale, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is at the intersection of Kenney Street and W. Third St., on the left when traveling north on Kenney Street. Marker is located near parking spaces for the church, not far from the intersection of Kenney Street and W. Third Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 309 Kenney Street, Kennedale TX 76060, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Kennedale Independent School District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hawkins Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Hudson Cemetery (approx. 2.3 miles away); New Hope Baptist Church (approx. 2.8 miles away); Everman Cemetery (approx. 2.9 miles away); Forest Hill Cemetery (approx. 3.6 miles away); Tate Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); Gibson Cemetery (approx. 4.1 miles away).
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 26, 2025
2. First Baptist Church of Kennedale and Marker
The marker is at far right.
courtesy Kennedale Historical Society
3. First Baptist Church of Kennedale
Under construction - circa 1960.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2024, by Jason Sullivan of Arlington, Texas. This page has been viewed 363 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 20, 2024, by Jason Sullivan of Arlington, Texas. 2. submitted on October 26, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 3. submitted on May 8, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
