First Baptist Church - Gatesville, TX
Posted by: 
WalksfarTX
N 31° 26.081 W 097° 44.782
14R E 619137 N 3478457
Imposing red brick church constructed in 1936, which has since been joined by additional facilities, allowing the congregation to continue serving the community with ongoing outreach programs. In 2006, FBCG celebrated 150 years.
Waymark Code: WMTVG4
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/10/2017
Views: 0
Historical Marker Text:
Organized in 1856 with fewer than a dozen members, this congregation has been a part of Gatesville history for more than a century. The first meeting of the congregation was held in the Coryell County Courthouse, and early worship services were conducted in the homes of members. The Rev. W. A. Mason was the congregation's first pastor.
A stone building was erected in 1866 to serve as a community school and house of worship for all denominations. The Baptist congregation met in the Union Church until 1872, when its first sanctuary was built on the corner of Bridge and 7th streets. An increase in membership necessitated the building of a larger sanctuary. This property was acquired, and a new frame building was completed in 1883. It served the congregation until 1936, when it was replaced by a larger structure. Additional facilities were built over the years to accommodate the growing programs of the church.
An important part of Gatesville's history, this congregation continues to honor its founders and pioneers while serving the community with ongoing outreach programs. (1989)