Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

1. First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana Marker

Inscription.
A group of former slaves, led by Simon Perry, organized the second African Baptist Church in 1868. Following an 1886 storm that destroyed the sanctuary on Fourth Avenue, the members purchased this property and constructed a new building. In 1918 they completed the present structure. The church name was changed in 1929 to reflect the congregation's independence from other religious groups. Three area Baptist congregations, Wilgo, Harmony, and Sixth Avenue, were started by members of the fellowship.

Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7197.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 32° 5.823′ N, 96° 27.533′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is at the intersection of N 5th Street and G W Jackson Ave, on the left when traveling south on N 5th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 E 5th, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes

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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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: American Well & Prospecting Co. (approx. 0.2 miles away); George Washington (G.W.) Jackson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lois Jean Hart (approx. 0.2 miles away); G.W. Jackson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rex Ingram (approx. 0.2 miles away); Former Site of the Fred Douglass - G.W. Jackson School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corsicana Newspapers (approx. ¼ mile away); James Emerson Whiteselle (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.

First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

2. First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana and marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 4 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.