First Baptist Church
Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Originally named Dove Church. Organized May 14, 1843, in home of Laban Rice, one of six charter members. Noted frontier ministers R. E. B. Baylor and Noah Byars presided at founding, and Byars served as first pastor. First building (1844) stood on Davidson Creek (about 1 mi. E), where early Baptisms were held. One of many renowned former pastors was the Rev. B. H. Carroll, who was ordained and licensed here. Of five sanctuaries for this church, two burned. The present one was built in 1928-1929. In 1960 it was remodeled and an education building erected. (1969)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded as Dove Church in 1843 in the home of Laban Rice, this congregation was organized by noted frontier ministers R. E. B. Baylor and Noah Byars, the latter serving as first pastor. Among those ordained here was the influential Rev. B. H. Carroll; after several sanctuaries, two lost to fire, the present building rose in 1928-29.
Why it matters
Baptist churches spread with the frontier, and figures like Baylor helped found the religious and educational institutions that shaped Texas.
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Related people
- · R. E. B. Baylor
- · Noah Byars
- · B. H. Carroll
Themes & tags
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