Pecos in Reeves County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Pecos City
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 10, 2015
1. First Baptist Church of Pecos City Marker
The Rev. Sumner Battle Callaway (1852-1916) led the organization of this Baptist Church in 1885 and served as its first pastor. Callaway had come to Texas from Georgia and had been Gov. Richard Hubbard's private secretary and a lawyer before entering the ministry. The eight charter members included Callaway, A. M. and Sallie Harris Walthall, A.W. Hillard, F.B. Chilton, W.D. Johnson, J.L. Johnson and Mrs. Colvin.
The congregation's first church building was completed in 1887. A larger sanctuary was built in 1910, during the pastorate of the Rev. J. B. Cole (1858-1947). The First Baptist Church of Pecos City was a member of the Sweetwater Baptist Association from 1886 until 1902, when the El Paso association was organized here. It later became part of the Pecos Valley association.
Over the years, the fellowship has been served by a number of prominent pastors, including the Rev. L. R. Millican who preached on the west Texas frontier for more than 50 years. The First Baptist Church of Pecos City has been active in home and foreign missionary work and has placed a great emphasis on community service.
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1662.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
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Location. 31° 25.366′ N, 103° 29.862′ W. Marker is in Pecos, Texas, in Reeves County. Marker is at the intersection of South Hickory Street and West 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Hickory Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 423 S Hickory St, Pecos TX 79772, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Christian Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); George R. Reeves (approx. ¼ mile away); Reeves County Korean & Vietnam War Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Reeves County World War II Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); Pecos, Texas (approx. 0.3 miles away); Orient Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Pecos Cantaloupe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Reeves County-Pecos, Texas (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pecos.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 10, 2015
2. First Baptist Church of Pecos City Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 10, 2015
3. First Baptist Church of Pecos City
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
