First Baptist Church of Decatur

Organized in 1856 under the Rev. J.T. Willis, the church first met in the log cabin of Samuel Perrin in Taylorsville, now known as Decatur. From early on, members were active in the town. By the late 1880s, the Rev. J.F. Young preached both in this church and to Decatur’s African American community. Also during this time, the church worked closely with Northwest Texas Baptist College, forerunner of Decatur Baptist College. As membership grew, the congregation continued its area involvement. In 1956, the mayor pronounced a day in honor of Dr. R.E. Bell, a pastor of the church who was active in the community. The church continues to be an important spiritual and educational influence on Decatur. (2006)

First Baptist Church of Decatur is a historical marker in Decatur, Wise County, dedicated in 2006. It is one of 91 historical markers documented in Wise County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 162 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.2132, -97.6017 near Decatur. The nearest cataloged historic site is Wise County Reunion (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Wise County Poor Farm & Cemetery, Site of, Decatur Baptist College, and Episcopal Mission of the Ascension.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507013573. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.