Decatur in Wise County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Decatur
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 30, 2026
1. First Baptist Church of Decatur Marker
Organized in 1856 under the Rev. J.T. Willis, the church first met in the log cabin of Samuel Perrin in Taylorsville, now known as Decatur. From early on, members were active in the town. By the late 1880s, the Rev. J.F. Young preached both in this church and to Decaturs African American community. Also during this time, the church worked closely with Northwest Texas Baptist College, forerunner of Decatur Baptist College. As membership grew, the congregation continued its area involvement. In 1956, the mayor pronounced a day in honor of Dr. R.E. Bell, a pastor of the church who was active in the community. The church continues to be an important spiritual and educational influence on Decatur.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13573.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 33° 12.813′ N, 97° 36.061′ W. Marker is in Decatur, Texas, in Wise County. It is at the intersection of Preskitt Road and Lipsey Street, on the right when traveling west on Preskitt Road. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Wise County Reunion (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of Wise County Poor Farm & Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); Decatur Baptist College (approx. 1.1 miles away); Episcopal Mission of the Ascension (approx. 1.4 miles away); Depression-Era Projects in Wise County (approx. 1.6 miles away); First National Bank of Decatur (approx. 1.6 miles away); Wise County Messenger (approx. 1.6 miles away); Gose Trees (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Decatur.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Sam Woody's Cabin (was
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 30, 2026
2. First Baptist Church of Decatur and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
