First Baptist Church of Cisco
Posted by: 
QuesterMark
N 32° 23.218 W 098° 58.789
14S E 501898 N 3583329
This marker is mounted on the wall of the staircase of the church in Cisco, the history of which it summarizes.
Waymark Code: WM338P
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 02/02/2008
Views: 38
Texas Historical Commission Atlas data:
Index Entry: First Baptist Church of Cisco
Address: 200 W. 9th
City: Cisco
County: Eastland
Subject Codes: BP; CH
Year Marker Erected: 1978
Marker Size: 27" x 42"
Repairs Completed: Volunteer refinish
Marker Number: 1621
Marker Text:
The Rev. C.G. Stephens, founder of Red Gap Community (1 mi. W), joined the Rev. W.B. Cobb in 1878 to organize the Red Gap Baptist Church. Forerunner of the First Baptist Church of Cisco, The Red Gap congregation had 13 charter members who met in a one-room log schoolhouse. This small membership organized seven churches into the Red Gap Baptist Association.
The junction of the Texas & Pacific Railroad and the Houston & Texas Central Railroad established Cisco and began the demise of Red Gap. The congregation moved to Cisco in 1881 and built a church house at 10th and Avenue E. The next year they constructed a 36' x 50' building at this site. A deadly tornado in 1893 totally destroyed the building. A new structure, completed the following year, burned in 1924. The collapse of an earlier oil boom, which had brought rapid growth to Cisco and the church, caused financial losses. The congregation met in Cisco City Hall and schoolhouses until a new structure could be completed.
This fellowship started a mission at Liberty Hill (4 mi. NW) and a Spanish language mission in northeast Cisco. Former pastors of this church have become presidents of Baptist colleges, missionaries, evangelists and special service ministers. (1978)
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