First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Smithville
Smithville, Bastrop County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Formed in 1896, this congregation worshiped originally at Maney's Opera House and later shared the Cumberland Presbyterian facility. The Disciples erected this church structure in 1903. Builders were Chester H. Turney, a member of this fellowship, and his brother Major M. Turney, of the Presbyterian congregation. The building has a bell tower above the entrance vestibule. Stained glass transoms decorate the windows. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1979
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This Disciples of Christ congregation took shape in Smithville in the mid-1890s, worshiping first in an opera house and then in a shared Presbyterian building before raising its own church in 1903. Two brothers built it — one from this fellowship and one from the Presbyterian congregation — a small sign of how frontier towns pooled their talents. Its bell tower and stained-glass transoms still mark it as a fixture of the young railroad town.
Why it matters
The church reflects the way faith communities helped establish and stabilize the small Texas towns that grew up along the rail lines at the turn of the century.
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Related people
- · Chester H. Turney
- · Major M. Turney
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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