First Christian Church of Huntsville

Joseph Addison Clark, who with his brother, Randolph Clark, later founded Texas Christian University, started this congregation in January 1854. The church originally had a dozen members who met in private homes. For a time, worship services were held in the Walker County Courthouse. First resident pastor was The Rev. Benton Sweeney, who began his ministry here on January 1, 1863. The congregation moved into an existing church structure in 1871 at the corner of 11th Street and Avenue J. In 1901 it was replaced by a new structure at the site. A red brick church was dedicated in 1931 and served until the congregation moved to 19th Street and Avenue R in 1963. The longest pastorate in the church's history was held by The Rev. Edwin Curtis Boynton, who served here on three different occasions, beginning in 1899 and ending in 1949. Membership of First Christian Church has included a number of prominent lay leaders, such as Dr. Joseph Baldwin, who became president in 1881 of what was then Sam Houston Normal Institute. The congregation continues to provide significant service and leadership to the community.

First Christian Church of Huntsville is a historical marker in Huntsville, Walker County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 69 historical markers documented in Walker County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 110 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.7184, -95.5597 near Huntsville. The nearest cataloged historic site is First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Austin College Building, Steamboat House, and St. James United Methodist Church of Huntsville.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5471008449. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.