First Baptist Church of Edom

One of the first baptist churches in Van Zandt County, this congregation traces its origins to the 1850s when early settlers organized a baptist church in this vicinity. Elder J. J. Whitmore was the first pastor. Membership increased as new families settled nearby. In 1929 the congregation erected a larger frame church building to accommodate its growing numbers. When the Edom school structure burned in 1934, the church facilities were used as temporary classrooms while the school was rebuilt. A new wing was added to the church in 1949, and a parsonage was built in 1956. A larger brick sanctuary constructed in 1961, was destroyed by fire in 1979. Services were held in a large tent while a new structure was completed. Worship services were held on the second and fourth Sundays until the early 1950s, when First Baptist became a full time church. Active in outreach programs, church members serve the community with scholarship funds, and Vacation Bible School, and provide a registered American Red Cross disaster shelter. The congregation also supports missionary work in Minnesota and Poland. Since its founding, First Baptist Church has been a significant institution in this part of Van Zandt County. (1996)

First Baptist Church of Edom is a historical marker in Edom, Van Zandt County, dedicated in 1996. It is one of 84 historical markers documented in Van Zandt County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 169 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.3754, -95.6072 near Edom. The nearest cataloged historic site is Edom Methodist Church (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Edom Cemetery, Tyler-Porter's Bluff Road, and Smith Family Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5467011405. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.