HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

White Oak Baptist Church

White Oak, Gregg County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Formally organized in 1910, White Oak Baptist Church traces its history to an earlier congregation founded in the sawmill town in 1889. Pastor Robert Marsh led the congregation in 1910. Three years later, M. C. and Ada (Dickinson) Satterwhite joined the church. Instrumental in White Oak Life for much of the 20th century, the Satterwhites donated two acres of land for a church building in 1935. The men's brotherhood was formed in the mid-1930s; the ladies' auxiliary began in 1940. Church facilities grew as needed. White Oak Baptist Church remains active in fellowship and community outreach programs. (1998)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

White Oak Baptist Church was formally organized in 1910, tracing its roots to an earlier congregation founded in this East Texas sawmill town in 1889. Led first by Pastor Robert Marsh, the church found lasting benefactors in M. C. and Ada Satterwhite, who joined in 1913 and donated land for a church building in 1935. Its brotherhood, ladies' auxiliary, and expanding facilities kept it at the center of White Oak life through the 20th century.

Why it matters

The church chronicles the social fabric of a Texas sawmill town, where a congregation grew alongside the timber industry that gave the community its start.

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Related people

  • ยท Robert Marsh
  • ยท M. C. Satterwhite
  • ยท Ada Dickinson Satterwhite

Themes & tags

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