First Christian Church of Huntsville
Huntsville, Walker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Joseph Addison Clark, who with his brother, Randolph Clark, later founded Texas Christian University, started this congregation in January 1854. The church originally had a dozen members who met in private homes. For a time, worship services were held in the Walker County Courthouse. First resident pastor was The Rev. Benton Sweeney, who began his ministry here on January 1, 1863. The congregation moved into an existing church structure in 1871 at the corner of 11th Street and Avenue J. In 1901 it was replaced by a new structure at the site. A red brick church was dedicated in 1931 and served until the congregation moved to 19th Street and Avenue R in 1963. The longest pastorate in the church's history was held by The Rev. Edwin Curtis Boynton, who served here on three different occasions, beginning in 1899 and ending in 1949. Membership of First Christian Church has included a number of prominent lay leaders, such as Dr. Joseph Baldwin, who became president in 1881 of what was then Sam Houston Normal Institute. The congregation continues to provide significant service and leadership to the community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This Disciples of Christ congregation was gathered in January 1854 by Joseph Addison Clark, who with his brother Randolph would later found Texas Christian University. A dozen members first met in private homes and even in the Walker County Courthouse before settling into their own buildings. Over more than a century its rolls included figures like Dr. Joseph Baldwin, a president of the school that became Sam Houston State.
Why it matters
The congregation ties a small Texas town to the founding of a major university, showing how frontier churches and higher education grew up hand in hand.
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Related people
- · Joseph Addison Clark
- · Randolph Clark
- · Rev. Benton Sweeney
- · Dr. Joseph Baldwin
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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