First Baptist Church of Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Cherokee County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation traces it history to the origins of the town of Jacksonville. When the International and Great Northern Railroad promoted the new town of Jacksonville along its rail line in 1872, city lots were set aside for local churches. Deacons Enoch B. Simpson and Joel H. Wallace purchased two lots for a Baptist church in 1873. Originally known as the Jacksonville Baptist Church of Christ, the congregation was organized officially by twelve charter members on September 28, 1884, and by 1887 the membership had grown to sixty. Increased membership necessitated the construction of a larger, two-story brick sanctuary in 1914. It was joined by additional facilities over the years and was replaced by yet a larger structure in 1950. Continued growth led to the need for expanded facilities, and the congregation moved to this site in 1977. Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville has been involved in missionary and community activities. It consistently has supported Jacksonville College, as well as other denominational endeavors.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
When the International and Great Northern Railroad laid out the new town of Jacksonville along its line in 1872, it set aside lots for churches, and two deacons bought a pair for a Baptist congregation in 1873. Formally organized by twelve charter members in 1884, the church grew from sixty members in 1887 to a two-story brick sanctuary in 1914, then still larger buildings in 1950 and 1977. Throughout, it backed missionary work and Jacksonville College.
Why it matters
The congregation's story shows how the railroad boom conjured entire East Texas towns into being, with churches and colleges rising almost as fast as the rail line itself.
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Related people
- · Enoch B. Simpson
- · Joel H. Wallace
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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