Old Moulton Baptist Church
Old Moulton, Lavaca County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Organized 1873 by 25 former members of the Live Oak Church located near Nickel, Texas. Two-story structure built 1873-74; cornerstone laid January 31, 1874. Upper story used by Masonic Lodge until 1894; later served as schoolroom; removed about turn of century. Braces placed in structure after 1886 storm. Lower floor used continuously since 1874 as Baptist church. Congregation celebrated 75th anniversary on October 24, 1948. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark -- 1970
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Twenty-five former members of the Live Oak Church organized this Baptist congregation in 1873, raising a two-story building whose cornerstone was laid in early 1874. The upper floor did double duty, housing a Masonic lodge and later a schoolroom before it was removed around the turn of the century, while braces were added after an 1886 storm tested the frame. The lower story has served continuously as a church since 1874.
Why it matters
The building shows how frontier congregations pooled resources with lodges and schools, letting a single structure serve as the civic center of a young Texas community.
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Themes & tags
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