First Baptist Church of Quitman

One of the earliest churches in Wood County. Organized Nov. 16, 1850, by pioneer settlers in a meeting moderated by a Cumberland Presbyterian, the Rev. Simon W. Weaver. Charter members included: Ursula Benton; M. M. and Mary Bigham; James, Robert, Silas, Mary A. L., and Elizabeth Duncan; Joseph, Alexander, and Martha Greer; Peter, Frances, and Mary Rozell; James N. Stedman; and John and Augusta Williams. Worship services were held in homes and open air in early days. A 2-story building with belfry was erected at College and Good streets in 1855 by the Presbyterians and Masons. In 1865 the Masons bought that building and made it available to all faiths until its razing in 1900. On same lot, Baptists and Masons erected another 2-story frame edifice. Under capable pastors, congregation grew. A 1929 building at Lane and College streets was replaced by the present plant in 1952. This bell (used from 1855 to 1929) is preserved as an historical relic. The pulpit here has been filled by notable guests, including the Rev. George W. Truett, world-renowned minister of Dallas. This is also noted as the home church of James Stephen Hogg (1851-1906), the first native-born Governor of Texas. (1970)

First Baptist Church of Quitman is a historical marker in Quitman, Wood County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 75 historical markers documented in Wood County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 151 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.7979, -95.4494 near Quitman. The nearest cataloged historic site is Wood County Courthouse (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Hogg, James Stephen, Quitman City, and Jones, J. H., and the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5499008955. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.