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

First Baptist Church of Newton

Photographed by James Hulse, December 19, 2025

1. First Baptist Church of Newton Marker

Inscription. The earliest record of this congregation dates to 1861, when the Newton Baptist Church with a membership of about 35 was accepted into the Bethlehem Association. The first known pastor was the Rev. R.F. Fancher. Baptisms were held in Caney Creek. The fellowship built its first sanctuary about 1882 near the corner of Court and Rusk Streets, but has worshiped at the present site since 1949. The name First Baptist Church was adopted in 1915. The congregation is a significant part of the religious heritage of Newton County. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986
(Incise)
Marker erected as memorial to Elizabeth Peters Smith

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11114.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 30° 50.888′ N, 93° 45.448′ W. Marker is in Newton, Texas, in Newton County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and East Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. The marker is located at the front entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 Main St, Newton TX 75966, 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

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of this marker: W. H. Ford Male & Female College (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Newton County Pre-War Maneuvers (approx. 0.2 miles away); Town of Newton (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newton County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Blewett (approx. 0.2 miles away); Newton Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Autrey-Williams House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Woods Park (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newton.

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

Photographed by James Hulse, December 19, 2025

2. First Baptist Church of Newton and Marker

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

Photographed by James Hulse, December 19, 2025

3. First Baptist Church of Newton

The view of the church from across the street.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 101 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 21, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.