First Baptist Church of Snyder
Snyder, Scurry County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in May, 1883, one year before Scurry County was organized, this pioneer institution helped pave the way for modern Baptist worship in the area. It was originally named Bledsoe Baptist Church, in honor of John S. Bledsoe, one of the founders. First pastor, The Rev. J. G. Garrard, served 1883-1890. Worship was then held in the school building on alternate Sundays. On December 8, 1892, members of the congregation voted to change their name to The First Baptist Church of Snyder. Lot 4 of Block 14 in the original Snyder townsite was purchased in 1892 and has since remained the site of four consecutive church buildings. The first structure was a one-story frame 40 x 60 foot building with a bell tower. In 1914 it was replaced with a large frame tabernacle. This structure had sliding windows which opened to admit cool breezes. In 1922 the tabernacle was replaced with a two-story, yellow brick building. Additional property on the west side was bought and a pastor's home built. The fourth sanctuary was built in 1951 on the former site of the pastor's house (now another location). Present building complex includes the 1922 church (remodeled) and 1958 education plant. (1969)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in May 1883—a year before Scurry County was even formally established—this congregation began as the Bledsoe Baptist Church, named for founder John S. Bledsoe, with worship held in the schoolhouse on alternate Sundays. It took the name First Baptist Church of Snyder in 1892 and bought the town lot it has occupied through four successive sanctuaries ever since. From a small frame building with a bell tower to a brick church and modern education plant, its growth tracks the town's own.
Why it matters
A pioneer congregation that predates its own county, the church shows how faith communities often arrived ahead of civil government on the West Texas frontier and helped hold new settlements together.
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Related people
- · John S. Bledsoe
- · J. G. Garrard
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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