First Baptist Church of Ovilla

Area residents organized a Baptist church in September 1903. The next year, the community built a wooden tabernacle on Red Oak Creek for use by local churches, including the Baptist congregation, which participated in regular services and revivals. In 1922, the Rev. Bob Burleson became the first full-time pastor for the Baptists. Records are unclear about other early meeting spaces, but in 1936 the congregation built a sanctuary at this site, adding other facilities over time. More than 100 years after its initial organization, First Baptist still serves the community through worship, support and outreach. (2005)

First Baptist Church of Ovilla is a historical marker in Ovilla, Ellis County, dedicated in 2004. It is one of 116 historical markers documented in Ellis County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 300 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.5266, -96.8857 near Ovilla. The nearest cataloged historic site is Ovilla (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Ovilla Cemetery, Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Shiloh Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5139013254. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.