First Christian Church of Big Spring
Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1882, the same year Howard County was formally organized, this congregation was established with seven charter members. Worship services were first conducted in the home of Mr. and Mrs. I. D. Eddins. The first pastor was The Rev. J. Wright. Members constructed a small frame sanctuary at 305 Gregg, but as the congregation grew, new facilities were built on Scurry Street and later at this site. For over a century, under the direction of several prominent Disciples of Christ leaders, the First Christian Church has been a vital force in Big Spring. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1882, the very year Howard County was organized, seven charter members founded this Disciples of Christ congregation, first gathering in the home of Mr. and Mrs. I. D. Eddins under the Rev. J. Wright. As Big Spring grew from a raw West Texas railroad town into an established community, the church built and rebuilt its sanctuaries, from a small frame building on Gregg Street to later homes on Scurry and this site. For more than a century it remained a steady spiritual anchor for the town.
Why it matters
The congregation's founding alongside the county itself shows how churches helped knit together the institutions and social life of newly settled West Texas.
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Themes & tags
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