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

First Baptist Church of Kenedy

Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026

1. First Baptist Church of Kenedy Marker

Inscription.
In 1858, a group led by Pastor J.N. Key met at the schoolhouse on Escondido creek and organized the first Protestant church in Karnes County, the Escondido Baptist Church. On 16 acres between Dry Escondido Creek and the San Antonio River they built a small church in 1875. A hurricane destroyed that building in 1886. Construction of a new building was completed in 1891 with the old lumber in the new town of Kenedy. The church was renamed the Kenedy Baptist Church. A brick building was built in 1912, followed by new facilities in 1930 and 1956. The First Baptist Church of Kenedy continues to minister to the local community and beyond with the gospel of Jesus Christ and humanitarian services.

Erected 2020 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22746.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 28° 48.828′ N, 97° 50.767′ W. Marker is in Kenedy, Texas, in Karnes County. It is at the intersection of East School Street and St Mary's Street, on the right when traveling west on East School Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 E School St, Kenedy TX 78119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

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 6 miles of this marker, measured

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as the crow flies: St. Matthew's Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Kenedy (approx. 0.4 miles away); Kenedy Enemy Alien Detention Station, World War II (approx. 0.6 miles away); Kenedy Alien Detention Camp Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Butler Family Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away); First Baptist Church of Karnes City (approx. 5.8 miles away); Karnes City (approx. 5.8 miles away); Karnes County (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kenedy.

Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026

2. First Baptist Church of Kenedy Marker

Photographed by Dave W, March 8, 2026

3. First Baptist Church of Kenedy Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2026, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.