First Baptist Church of Decatur

The college beside the church began in 1891 as Northwest Texas Baptist College. The Handbook of Texas says Decatur won it because local citizens donated the land and pledged a $15,000 endowment. Classes met in the old Opera House on East Main until an administration building was dedicated on September 6, 1893. Unpaid pledges forced a $13,000 auction three years later, and in 1897 the state convention bought the property for $7,000 and renamed it Decatur Baptist College. It ran as a junior college until 1965, when it moved to Dallas and became Dallas Baptist University.

What the plaque says

First Baptist Church of Decatur 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 Decatur's 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. (2006)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Wise County Courthouse — 1.7 mi
  J. Riely Gordon's granite Romanesque courthouse of 1895-96 in Decatur, built after fire destroyed the Second Empire courthouse and set off a fight over the county seat.

More markers nearby

• Wise County Reunion — 0.4 mi
• First National Bank of Decatur — 1.7 mi
• Wise County, C.S.A. — 1.7 mi
• Colonel Absalom Bishop — 1.7 mi