First Baptist Church of Snyder

Founded in May, 1883, one year before Scurry County was organized, this pioneer institution helped pave the way for modern Baptist worship in the area. It was originally named Bledsoe Baptist Church, in honor of John S. Bledsoe, one of the founders. First pastor, The Rev. J. G. Garrard, served 1883-1890. Worship was then held in the school building on alternate Sundays. On December 8, 1892, members of the congregation voted to change their name to The First Baptist Church of Snyder. Lot 4 of Block 14 in the original Snyder townsite was purchased in 1892 and has since remained the site of four consecutive church buildings. The first structure was a one-story frame 40 x 60 foot building with a bell tower. In 1914 it was replaced with a large frame tabernacle. This structure had sliding windows which opened to admit cool breezes. In 1922 the tabernacle was replaced with a two-story, yellow brick building. Additional property on the west side was bought and a pastor's home built. The fourth sanctuary was built in 1951 on the former site of the pastor's house (now another location). Present building complex includes the 1922 church (remodeled) and 1958 education plant. (1969)

First Baptist Church of Snyder is a historical marker in Snyder, Scurry County, dedicated in 1969. It is one of 60 historical markers documented in Scurry County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 63 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.7152, -100.9161 near Snyder. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Methodist Church (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include First Presbyterian Church, Scarborough, Alonzo Orrin; Site of Sanitarium of, and Site of Store of William Henry (Pete) Snyder.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5415001677. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.