First Baptist Church of Moody
Moody, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The First Baptist Church of Moody was organized in 1855 in the commuity of Perry (2 mi. N), with Elder S.G. O'Bryan serving as first pastor. Another early minister, the Rev. John McClain, had been present at the church's organization and served the congregation for many years. In 1883, two years after the Santa Fe Railroad bypassed the town of Perry, the Baptist church moved to this site in the new railroad town of Moody. The church has ordained several pastors from its membership and has contributed much to the heritage of the surrounding area.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The First Baptist Church of Moody was organized in 1855 in the nearby community of Perry, with Elder S. G. O'Bryan as its first pastor and the Rev. John McClain among its early ministers. When the Santa Fe Railroad bypassed Perry in the early 1880s, the congregation followed opportunity to the new railroad town of Moody, relocating in 1883. Over the decades it ordained pastors from its own membership and helped anchor the surrounding community.
Why it matters
The church's move from Perry to Moody shows how the railroad reshaped Texas settlement, pulling whole communities—and their congregations—toward the new rail towns.
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Related people
- · S. G. O'Bryan
- · John McClain
Themes & tags
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