Cottonwood Baptist Church

This congregation was founded by a group of German-speaking families who had moved from the Washington County area to the rich farmlands of Falls County. The organizational meeting was held March 4, 1884, at the home of Anton Wittner. Fifteen charter members named their congregation the German Baptist Church of Cottonwood. For four years, worship services were held in the members' homes. In 1888, during the ministry of the Rev. F. J. Gleiss, the congregation's first full-time pastor, a church building was constructed. Additional, larger facilities were built over the years to accommodate the growing membership. During World War I, the German church was suspected of hiding arms in the sanctuary loft, despite the members' support of the war effort. In 1930 the congregation began a gradual transition from services conducted in German to those led in English. Renamed Cottonwood Baptist Church in 1945, the congregation has provided significant service and leadership to the residents of this area throughout its history. Descendants of some of the original German families continue to worship here.

Cottonwood Baptist Church is a historical marker in Mooreville, Falls County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 64 historical markers documented in Falls County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 70 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.3485, -97.1305 near Mooreville. The nearest cataloged historic site is Site of North Prairie School (historical marker), about 2.8 miles away. Others within a short drive include Mooreville Cemetery, Cedar Grove Baptist Church, and Boyhood Home of Tom Connally.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5145001082. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.