National Register Listing

First Baptist Church

E. Oliver and N. Swenson, Stamford, TX

The First Baptist Church in Stamford is an important complex of structures with both architectural and historical significance. It is the religious home for one of the town's earliest and largest congregations and is also a good example of a large-scale, classically influenced church building.

The First Baptist Church was organized in Stamford in early 1900. Temporary facilities were used at first, then a small structure was built in late 1900 or 1901. By 1908 the congregation had grown and prospered enough to initiate a new structure. Ten leading members of the church each pledged $1,000 for construction, and work began in early 1908. The building was completed in 1909 and stood as one of the city's most elaborate and expensive structures. Twenty-six years later, in 1932, the overcrowded congregation once again decided to expand by constructing a two-story educational wing behind the main chapel, on the east side of the lot. This two-building complex served the needs of the congregation until the late 1950s. In 1960 a new educational wing was added to the south of the old main building, completing the present First Baptist Church complex.

The First Baptist complex has served as the spiritual home for a large part of Stamford's population for generations. It has been the focal point for one of the city's largest religious denominations and is a well-known local landmark.

Not only is this complex important historically, but it also has a great deal of architectural merit. It is a good example of the Classical influence which is rare in Stamford, particularly in large buildings. The use of this style with its classical features makes the main church building one of the most imposing structures in town. The 1932 educational building, which also has a hint of classical styling, adds to the mass and imposing nature of the complex.

The mildly altered structure, with its long history and landmark status, as well as its architectural merit, undoubtedly ranks as one of Stamford's most important cultural resources.

Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Baptist denomination churches religion
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Jones County is located in central Texas and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers ventured into Texas. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that Jones County was established.

In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.

During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.

After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.

In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jones County, Texas.

  • 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
  • 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
  • 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
  • 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
  • 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
  • 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.