First Baptist Church of La Feria
La Feria, Cameron County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized in 1912 with eleven charter members under the leadership of the Rev. Mr. Roberts of Ohio, the First Baptist Church of La Feria originally shared facilities and services with other local religious groups. The Women's Missionary Society was founded in 1923; a full graded Sunday School was organized in 1924, as was the Baptist Youth Union. In June 1925 the Baptist congregation held its first service in a new domed structure on this site. Additions and renovations to the facility were made as needed. Always strong in missionary activity, the First Baptist Church of La Feria continues a proud tradition of worship and community service. (1998)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the small Rio Grande Valley town of La Feria, eleven charter members organized this Baptist congregation in 1912 under the Rev. Mr. Roberts of Ohio, worshiping alongside other denominations until they could build a home of their own. Through the 1920s they added a Women's Missionary Society, a graded Sunday School, and a youth union, and in June 1925 dedicated a distinctive domed sanctuary on this site. The church grew with the surrounding farming communities of Cameron County.
Why it matters
Small-town congregations like this anchored the civic and social life of the newly irrigated Rio Grande Valley in the early twentieth century.
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Themes & tags
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