First Baptist Church of Gatesville

Organized in 1856 with fewer than a dozen members, this congregation has been a part of Gatesville history for more than a century. The first meeting of the congregation was held in the Coryell County Courthouse, and early worship services were conducted in the homes of members. The Rev. W. A. Mason was the congregation's first pastor. A stone building was erected in 1866 to serve as a community school and house of worship for all denominations. The Baptist congregation met in the Union Church until 1872, when its first sanctuary was built on the corner of Bridge and 7th streets. An increase in membership necessitated the building of a larger sancturary. This property was acquired, and a new frame building was completed in 1883. It served the congregation until 1936, when it was replaced by a larger structure. Additional facilities were built over the years to accommodate the growing programs of the church. An important part of Gatesville's history, this congregation continues to honor its founders and pioneers while serving the community with ongoing outreach programs. (1989)

First Baptist Church of Gatesville is a historical marker in Gatesville, Coryell County, dedicated in 1989. It is one of 44 historical markers documented in Coryell County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 120 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4358, -97.7452 near Gatesville. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Christian Church Building (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Gatesville, Coryell County Courthouse, and Hammack Building.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5099001632. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.