Historical Marker

First Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
Caldwell, Texas
( Corner of Thomas & Mustang St., Caldwell)
Marker installed: 1969

Originally named Dove Church. Organized May 14, 1843, in home of Laban Rice, one of six charter members. Noted frontier ministers R. E. B. Baylor and Noah Byars presided at founding, and Byars served as first pastor.

First building (1844) stood on Davidson Creek (about 1 mi. E), where early Baptisms were held. One of many renowned former pastors was the Rev. B. H. Carroll, who was ordained and licensed here.

Of five sanctuaries for this church, two burned. The present one was built in 1928-1929.

In 1960 it was remodeled and an education building erected.

(1969).