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

First Baptist Church of Yoakum

Photographed by Dave W, January 17, 2026

1. First Baptist Church of Yoakum Marker

Inscription.
Yoakum was founded in 1887 when the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad built a line through this area. The town grew rapidly and on April 7, 1889, one month before the town was incorporated, the First Baptist Church was organized.

Led by the Rev. H. M. Rowland from nearby Flatonia, the congregation began with seven charter members: J. H. and N. M. Clare; Edgar and Lydia Barnes; Thomas Johnson; Lou Thomas; and B. F. Griffin, who served as first church clerk. Rowland continued to serve the new congregation for a year.

The church's first place of worship was a one-room frame building at the corner of West Hochheim and Lott streets. It was replaced in 1893 by a larger frame structure at East Gonzales and Dunn streets. By 1912 it was too small for the growing congregation, and a new three-story brick sanctuary featuring six large stained glass windows was built on the same site. With the addition of facilities to serve Sunday School and other needs, it served the congregation until a new structure was erected in 1974.

Throughout its history this congregation has been involved in local and foreign missionary activities. It continues to be a vital part of the community.

Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1685.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is April 7, 1889.

Location. 29° 17.325′ N, 97° 8.798′ W. Marker is in Yoakum, Texas, in Lavaca County. It is at the intersection of Dunn Street and E Grand Ave, on the right when traveling south on Dunn Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 Dunn St, Yoakum TX 77995, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is

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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 Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Katolika Jednota Zen Texaskych (K.J.Z.T.) / Catholic Women's Union of Texas (approx. 0.2 miles away); World War II Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); World War I Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Korea Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Viet Nam Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Afghanistan War Fallen (approx. 0.3 miles away); Municipal Power Plant (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Yoakum.

Photographed by Dave W, January 17, 2026

2. First Baptist Church of Yoakum Marker

Look south along Dunn street.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 64 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 18, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.