First Baptist Church-Marshall

405 W. Austin, Marshall

Sanborn Maps:

TX Historical Marker

First Baptist Church in Marshall became a TX Historical Marker in 1975.

Architectural Survey

• Description: The 1953 First Baptist Church in Marshall is a stately example of Colonial Revival architecture. The front entrance is covered by a gabled pediment with four classical columns. The façade contains three sets of double-hung windows with stained glass and a triple main door entrance. Although three main additions have been built on to the church complex since its original erection, they maintain the same architectural style.

• Significance: The founders of First Baptist Church were instrumental in the annexation of Texas and the congregation helped establish the College of Marshall in 1912, which today is known as East Texas Baptist University.

Historical Background

The structure that is presently known as the First Baptist Church in Marshall was not constructed until 1953, but the congregation was established in 1845. The first sanctuary was built in 1949, than replaced in 1892 where they continued to meet until the present building was completed. The founding members of the church included John Bryce and Reverend George Washington Baines, both of whom were involved with the annexation of Texas. The congregation was influential in establishing East Texas Baptist College in 1912, which today is known as East Texas Baptist University. Since the first leader, Reverend George Tucker preached in the pulpit in 1949, many men have served in the pulpit of First Baptist Church. The Texas Historical Marker research only goes to 1972, when Reverend Connie Ward was the pastor.

Ward left the church to pastor First Baptist in Port Arthur in 1977. Ward was followed by Dr. Jack Fritts in 1978. During Fritts time, the Capital Improvements Campaign was established in 1983 to raise money for renovations and repairs. Dr. Fritts resigned in 1984 to serve as pastor to Oakland Heights Church in Longview. Dr. H. Hollie Atkinson was hired in 1884, and he was responsible for major renovations to the church in 1986. A new roof was put on the sanctuary, as well as many other improvements to the sanctuary such as new pews, light fixtures, a sound booth balcony, and a stained glass window for the baptistery. In 1995, the church celebrated their 150th anniversary, with various celebration services throughout the year. Dr. Atkinson urged the congregation to begin another building campaign in 1996, to raise money for a new Family Life Center. This was completed in 1998 and is located across the street from the main sanctuary. Dr. Atkinson was also responsible for beginning the "Meals on Wheels" ministry program in Marshall, which remains as a community outreach program in 2013. Atkinson resigned in 2000, and was followed by Dr. Don Laughlin who served First Baptist Church until 2004. Dr. David Packer served as pastor from 2005 to 2007, Kevin Hall, 2009-2011, and Wallace Watkins, 2011-2012. In August, 2012, the current pastor, Ryan Berryhill began his work at First Baptist University. (First Baptist Church Records)

Due to poor leadership and financial problems, the First Baptist Church began seeing a decline in their membership in 2000, which has continued to drop throughout the past five years. As of 2013, the church still supports East Texas Baptist University and continues to maintain outreach programs to benefit the Marshall community.