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

First Baptist Church of Henderson

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

1. First Baptist Church of Henderson Marker

Inscription. Begun in 1845 by the Rev. Lemuel Herrin (d. 1852), pioneer missionary Baptist minister from Tennessee, this church was reorganized in 1850 by Elders John B. Renfro and J. O. Walker, and the Rev. Jesse Witt, who served as the first pastor. Total membership in 1850 was 21. In its early years, the fellowship shared a meeting place with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The present church building was dedicated April 25, 1954. At least three other congregations have been sponsored by this one. The membership has grown steadily in recent years to the current (1976) total of over 1800.

Erected 1976 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10983.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 25, 1954.

Location. 32° 9.181′ N, 94° 48.06′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Texas, in Rusk County. It is at the intersection of W. Main Street (Farm to Market Road 13) and S. Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling east on W. Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 W Main Street, Henderson TX 75652, 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: Masonic Lodge Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Rev. William Craig

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(about 400 feet away); Henderson City Cemetery (about 500 feet away); Merritt Building (about 500 feet away); Henderson (about 500 feet away); The 1860 Henderson Fire (about 500 feet away); Judge William Wright Morris (about 500 feet away); Thomas Jefferson Rusk (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 1, 2025

2. First Baptist Church of Henderson marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.