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

First Baptist Church

1871

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, March 20, 2023

1. First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription.

In 1871, fifteen local citizens gathered together in a residence to form a church congregation, thus founding the First Baptist Church of Longview.

The first white frame building was erected in 1874 on property deeded to the church by the Texas and Pacific Railroad Company. The congregation laid roots deep and has grown on or near that same site until this date.

Over the years, the church congregation has met in a red brick, Gothic-style building, dedicated in 1901; in a Neo-classic, domed auditorium, dedicated in 1914, later to be renamed Memorial Auditorium, and in a "magnificent" Gothic sanctuary and chapel, dedicated in 1951.

The First Baptist Church facilities have served the city of Longview providing a meeting place for large community gatherings, both civic and religious, patriotic and educational.

From its founding, the church has served as a source of strength, hope, and encouragement influencing the integrity and character of the entire community.

Caption First Baptist Church 1919-1990

Erected 1990 by City of Longview Commission on Arts and Culture.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 32° 29.564′

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N, 94° 44.392′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. It is at the intersection of South Fredonia Street and East South Street, on the right when traveling south on South Fredonia Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 S Fredonia St, Longview TX 75601, 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: First Baptist Church of Longview (a few steps from this marker); Longview Municipal Building and Central Fire Station (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); King Cotton (about 400 feet away); When Mule Power Moved People (about 400 feet away); Timber – The First Industry (about 500 feet away); Site of James S. Hogg Newspaper (about 600 feet away); Kelly Plow Company (about 700 feet away); Then Came the Railroad (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 27, 2025

2. First Baptist Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 21, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on September 4, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.