First Baptist Church of Pecos City

The Rev. Sumner Battle Callaway (1852-1952) led the organization of this Baptist church in 1885 and served as its first pastor. Callaway had come to Texas from Georgia and had been Gov. Richard Hubbard's private secretary and a lawyer before entering the ministry. The eight charter members included Callaway, A. M. and Sallie Harris Walthall, and Mrs. Colvin. The congregation's first church building was completed in 1887. A larger sanctuary was built in 1910, during the pastorate of the Rev. J. B. Cole (1858-1947). The First Baptist Church of Pecos City was a member of the Sweetwater Baptist Association from 1886 until 1902, when the El Paso association was organized here. It later became part of the Pecos Valley association. Over the years, the fellowship has been served by a number of prominent pastors, including the Rev. L. R. Millican who preached on the west Texas frontier for more than 50 years. The First Baptist Church of Pecos City has been active in home and foreign missionary work and has placed a great emphasis on community service.

First Baptist Church of Pecos City is a historical marker in Pecos, Reeves County, dedicated in 1985. It is one of 20 historical markers documented in Reeves County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 34 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4237, -103.4852 near Pecos. The nearest cataloged historic site is Santa Rosa (cemetery), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Reeves County Courthouse, Reeves, George R., and Pioneer Graveyard.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5389001662. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.