Tyler in Smith County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Antioch Baptist Church
Photographed By Randal B. Gilbert, January 18, 2016
1. Antioch Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
Antioch Baptist Church. . Records of the Smith County Baptist Association indicate that this congregation was established in 1851. Members held worship services in homes and in the local schoolhouse until they built their first sanctuary in 1857. Since the church had only part-time pastors, Sunday School classes and the Baptist Young People's Union met on Sundays even when a preacher could not be there. By 1936, Antioch had a half-time pastor. A new church building, completed in 1939, was enhanced by an education annex in 1953. Serving the rural Sand Flat community, Antioch Baptist Church continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders.
Records of the Smith County Baptist Association indicate that this congregation was established in 1851. Members held worship services in homes and in the local schoolhouse until they built their first sanctuary in 1857. Since the church had only part-time pastors, Sunday School classes and the Baptist Young People's Union met on Sundays even when a preacher could not be there. By 1936, Antioch had a half-time pastor. A new church building, completed in 1939, was enhanced by an education annex in 1953. Serving the rural Sand Flat community, Antioch Baptist Church continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12495.)
Location. 32° 29.29′ N, 95° 16.969′ W. Marker is in Tyler, Texas, in Smith County. Marker is on County Road 313W, 0.2 miles west of State Park Highway (Farm to Market Road 14), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 793 CR-313W, Tyler TX 75706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Scouts of Texas Army (approx. 4.1 miles away); Harris Creek Cemetery
Regarding Antioch Baptist Church. The Church and community are located on the original route of the Dallas-Shreveport road which dates back to 1842. The community cemetery is across the road from the Church.
Photographed By Randal B. Gilbert, January 18, 2016
2. Antioch Baptist Church and Marker
Local tradition holds that the church bell shown in the image dates back to the establishment of the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2016, by Randal B. Gilbert of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 455 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 18, 2016, by Randal B. Gilbert of Tyler, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
