Historical Marker

First Baptist Church of Huntsville

Huntsville, Walker County · Texas
Erected 1977

A fire is missing from the marker's list of buildings. East Texas History records that on January 24, 1954, flames destroyed much of the four-story red brick church built in 1924, and that a college student, James E.V. Davis, died in it. The present church was dedicated on December 11, 1955. The same account traces the congregation's start in 1844 in the Brick Academy, its move to the Dean School House by 1851, a new frame building in 1891 and a membership of 144 by 1896.

What the plaque says

First Baptist Church of Huntsville One of the earliest Baptist congregations in Texas, this church was organized in 1844 by The Rev. Z. N. Morrell, who served as first pastor. The Rev. J. W. D. Creath, a missionary from Virginia, was the second, and The Rev. G. W. Baines, known now as an ancestor of U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson, was the third. General Sam Houston, ex-president of the Republic of Texas, was a member. The congregation dedicated its first church building in 1851; it was on this site. A bell added in the 1850s became a pride of the city. This church hosted the Baptist State Convention five times in the 1850s and 60s. One of the first regular Sunday schools in Texas functioned here by 1864. Blacks in the membership requested and received letters of dismission in 1868, to organize a church of their own. After Sam Houston Normal Institute (now Sam Houston State University) was established in 1879, many of its people came to augment the leadership in this church. The congregation has erected houses of worship in 1891, 1924, and 1954. Throughout its history, it has promoted and financed mission work, and has helped to organize and encourage other congregations. (1977)

Where it stands

30.72193, -95.54864 · Directions

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