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

First Baptist Church of Trenton

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 2, 2026

1. First Baptist Church of Trenton Marker

Inscription. On January 7, 1877, Trenton Baptists began worshiping in the Burns school house. The church body organized as Smyrna Baptist Church of Christ, with Martin W. Gentry as the first pastor. In 1886, the church called their second pastor in Jno. William Connelly. The church entered into fellowship with the Sister Grove Association in 1878 until the Fannin County Baptist Association formed in 1889. In 1897, under the leadership of Rev. J M. Harder, the church built a frame building on the present site. A fire in November 1953 completely destroyed the sanctuary. The congregation met in the high school auditorium until a new church was completed in July 1954. The church continues to support global missions and community needs.

Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Association. (Marker Number 17570.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is January 7, 1877.

Location. 33° 25.9′ N, 96° 20.263′ W. Marker is in Trenton, Texas, in Fannin County. It is on 2nd Street near Robinson, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or

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near this postal address: 302 2nd St, Trenton TX 75490, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Methodist Church of Trenton (within shouting distance of this marker); Y.B. Reed (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trenton (about 400 feet away); First National Bank of Trenton (about 400 feet away); Burns Cemetery (approx. one mile away); Indian Creek Baptist Church and Cemetery (approx. 4 miles away); Bethel Baptist Church (approx. 4.2 miles away); East Shady Grove Baptist Church (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Trenton.

Also see . . .
1. Redemption in the Thicket. Baptists gathered

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 2, 2026

2. First Baptist Church of Trenton Marker

for worship on Sunday, January 7, 1877 at the Burns School House as Smyrna Baptist Church of Christ with Martin Gentry as the first pastor. During her first year, the church baptized eight people and partnered with sister churches for ministry and mission. (First Baptist Church of Trenton) (Submitted on July 27, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. First Baptist Church of Trenton. Approximately twenty-eight miles south of the Red River, in the Southwest corner of Fannin County, you will find the City of Trenton. During the early 1800's wagon trains brought many families to this area and a thriving new community was created. And with this new community came the need for a place of worship. Thirteen years before the incorporation of Trenton, the First Baptist Church was established. (Fannin County Historical Commission) (Submitted on July 27, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.