Central Baptist Church
Burkburnett, Wichita County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1924, fourteen individuals met at the Bradley’s Corner Community Center for the purpose of organizing a missionary Baptist church. The Reverend J.L. Walters served as the church’s first pastor. After a short period of regular meetings at the community center, the small congregation decided to move to the adjacent oil boom town of Thrift, which was a more central location for the church’s membership. In September of that year, Thrift Baptist Church constructed a building from used lumber donated by an Iowa Park Church that was constructing a new building. The new church was built on the east side of Thrift, on the Waggoner property. In 1952, as more and more church members moved into town from rural areas, the congregation moved the church building to Burkburnett, and the church’s name was changed to Thrift Memorial Baptist Church. An educational building was constructed in 1959, and later additions to the church campus were made in 1961 and 1999. In 1961, the church’s name was again changed to Central Baptist Church, to better reflect the church’s new image as a “city” church. Among the many organizations founded by members of the congregation are the Women’s Missionary Union, established during the 1920s, and the “G.A.” Girls’ Youth Organization, which formed in the 1950s. The congregation has served the community through the establishment of a homebound ministry, a youth praise team and the Sonshiners senior adult group. Today, Central Baptist Church serves as a reminder of the small group of individuals who founded Thrift Baptist Church, while continuing as a spiritual leader in the Burkburnett community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1924 fourteen people met at Bradley's Corner Community Center to organize a missionary Baptist church, soon relocating to the nearby oil boomtown of Thrift and building with donated lumber. As members moved into Burkburnett, the congregation carried its building into town in 1952 and, after further growth, renamed itself Central Baptist Church in 1961 to reflect its new role as a city church. It continues to serve the Burkburnett community.
Why it matters
The church's journey from an oil-boom shantytown to an established city congregation mirrors the boom-and-settle rhythm of the North Texas petroleum era.
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Related people
- · J.L. Walters
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
First Methodist Church of Burkburnett
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Northwest Extension Oilfield
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Oil drew little attention here until April 17, 1919, when the Bob Waggoner Well No. 1 blew in at 4,800 barrels a day, opening the Northwest Extension Oilfield on the former Burk Burnett ranch. A frenzy of derricks followed, and hastily built tent cities—Thrift, Springtown, Waggoner City, and others—sprang up to serve the boom. Today only scattered pump jacks work the field that once roared.
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