First Baptist Church of Jacksonville

This congregation traces it history to the origins of the town of Jacksonville. When the International and Great Northern Railroad promoted the new town of Jacksonville along its rail line in 1872, city lots were set aside for local churches. Deacons Enoch B. Simpson and Joel H. Wallace purchased two lots for a Baptist church in 1873. Originally known as the Jacksonville Baptist Church of Christ, the congregation was organized officially by twelve charter members on September 28, 1884, and by 1887 the membership had grown to sixty. Increased membership necessitated the construction of a larger, two-story brick sanctuary in 1914. It was joined by additional facilities over the years and was replaced by yet a larger structure in 1950. Continued growth led to the need for expanded facilities, and the congregation moved to this site in 1977. Throughout its history, the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville has been involved in missionary and community activities. It consistently has supported Jacksonville College, as well as other denominational endeavors.

First Baptist Church of Jacksonville is a historical marker in Jacksonville, Cherokee County, dedicated in 1990. It is one of 112 historical markers documented in Cherokee County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 245 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.9667, -95.2471 near Jacksonville. The nearest cataloged historic site is Central Baptist Church of Jacksonville (historical marker), about 0.7 miles away. Others within a short drive include Love, John Wesley, Home, First Free Public School, and Jacksonville Independent School District.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5073006766. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.