Garland in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Garland
Photographed by Kayla Harper, May 10, 2020
1. First Baptist Church of Garland Marker
Baptists in the pioneer Duck Creek community began meeting regularly in a log schoolhouse probably as early as the 1850s. On March 8, 1868, sixteen Baptists assembled in the schoolhouse and formally organized Antioch Baptist Church, calling W. B. Long as their first pastor. The first church house was built in 1870. Sunday School classes began in 1873, and a Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1883. The church moved into the rapidly growing new town of Garland in 1890 and began to flourish.
In 1904 the congregation divided amicably into two equal groups after a conflict about the best course for mission work. Antioch Baptist and First Baptist Church of Garland were reunited in 1915 as Garland Baptist Church. The church prospered with the community. The Ladies' Aid Society and other groups within the congregation worked to raise funds to support the church and its programs. A more modern church building was erected in 1930. The church assumed the name First Baptist Church of Garland in 1946 as other Baptist churches were begun in the city. A fourth worship center was built in 1953, followed by educational facilities
this page online
By 1999, the church had assisted in establishing 19 missions. Many of those grew into large Garland churches. First Baptist Church continues to serve the local community and the larger world through numerous worship, outreach and mission programs. Creative Sunday School programs and a variety of worship experiences are designed to meet the changing spiritual needs of the city in the 21st century.
Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11823.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is March 8, 1868.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 32° 54.548′ N, 96° 38.468′ W. Marker was in Garland, Texas, in Dallas County. It was on West Avenue D, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 801 W Avenue D, Garland TX 75040, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Globally, it was in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state,
Photographed by Kayla Harper, May 10, 2020
2. First Baptist Church of Garland Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: First Presbyterian Church, USA (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Methodist Church of Garland (about 700 feet away); Public Education in Garland (about 700 feet away); Travis College Hill Addition (approx. 0.2 miles away); Manuel and Maria Valle Family (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Christian Church of Garland (approx. 0.2 miles away); Garland (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bankhead Highway in Garland (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Garland.
Photographed by Kayla Harper, May 10, 2020
3. First Baptist Church of Garland
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 30, 2026
4. First Baptist Church of Garland Marker removed during construction of new church
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,181 times since then and 170 times this year. Last updated on August 30, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. 4. submitted on August 30, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
