First Baptist Church of Coldspring

Baptists in Coldspring built schools as well as churches. The Handbook of Texas says the Cold Springs Female Institute was incorporated on February 7, 1853 as nonsectarian, opened in 1854 under Daniel Webster Steele, and by 1858 had the support of the Tryon Baptist Association before closing in 1861 for lack of patronage. The county entry gives August 11, 1855 for a Baptist church at Coldspring and adds that Coldspring and Shepherd Baptists, who organized at Shepherd in 1939, shared a pastor until the middle of the twentieth century.

What the plaque says

First Baptist Church of Coldspring Formally organized in 1848 in the small community known as "Fireman's Hill" (formerly "Coonskin"), Laurel Hill Baptist Church began with four members and the Rev. Joseph Warner Dossey Creath as its first pastor. The Rev. Mr. Creath came to Texas as a missionary for the Domestic Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention and later became a prominent figure among Texas Baptists. By 1850 the settlement was known as "Cold Springs." In 1853 several church members participated in the formation of an educational institution known as the Cold Springs Female College or Institute. Recognized as one of the early educational efforts of Texas Baptists, the school flourished for a short time. General James B. Davis (1790-1859), a friend of General Sam Houston and former adjutant general of the Republic of Texas Army, donated land for a church building, baptismal pool and cemetery. A small building was erected across from the cemetery in 1855. The Cold Springs Male and Female Academy, as it was called by 1861, closed with the advent of the Civil War. The church building served on that site until a fire ravaged the San Jacinto County Courthouse in 1915. By 1918 a new courthouse had been completed nearby. Homes, businesses and the Laurel Hill Baptist Church were moved to the new site. The church was destroyed by fire in 1950; a new structure built that same year was renamed First Baptist Church of Coldspring. Buildings were added to the church complex as necessary. The first Baptist Church of Coldspring continues a tradition of worship and service established by its founders. The congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1998. (1999)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Townsite of Coldspring — steps away
• Governor George Tyler Wood — steps away
• San Jacinto County Jail — 0.4 mi
• San Jacinto County — 0.4 mi