Antioch Baptist Church
Bells, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Formally organized in 1861 as Antioch Baptist Church of Christ, this congregation first worshiped in a log cabin approximately 2.5 miles south of this site. S. J. Wright, R. T. Gardner and J. D. Thomas comprised the organizing presbytery. In 1872, the congregation moved to the Pink Hill community where it shared a building and land at this site with the Pink Hill school. Baptisms took place in Choctaw Creek and in nearby stock tanks. As a charter member of the Grayson County Baptist Association, Antioch became known simply as Antioch Baptist Church after 1886. The 1890s saw much growth, resulting in the dedication of a new building in 1890 and the establishment of a Sunday school in 1893. In the early 1900s, Antioch Baptist Church became active in foreign and home mission work, a tradition it has continued into the 21st century. A growing membership required the completion of larger worship spaces in 1919 and again in 1974. In the latter half of the 20th century, the congregation secured its first full-time pastor, enhanced its mission work in the community and abroad, and provided a number of programs for young people. As an integral part of the Pink Hill community, Antioch Baptist Church has played an important role in the lives of those who worship here. It continues to uphold the ideals and traditions of its founders as it moves forward in service to others. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in 1861 as Antioch Baptist Church of Christ, this Grayson County congregation first met in a log cabin before relocating in 1872 to the Pink Hill community, where it shared a building with the local school and baptized converts in Choctaw Creek. A charter member of the Grayson County Baptist Association, it grew through the 1890s and became active in mission work into the 21st century. New sanctuaries in 1919 and 1974 marked its steady expansion.
Why it matters
The church shows how rural congregations served as the social and educational heart of small Texas communities, sharing their buildings with the schoolhouse next door.
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Themes & tags
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