Historical Marker

First Baptist Church of Poteet

Historical marker location:
437 Ave. D, Poteet, Texas
( On the corner of Ave. D and 4th St.)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Prior to 1856, settlers around Gallinas gathered on Sundays in each others’ homes to worship the Lord. As numbers grew, they met at Shiloh at a log building used for school and church on Borrego Creek. Seminary student William Dycks Johnson (1838-1885) is credited with starting Shiloh Baptist Church during a hiatus from Baylor University. The church organized in June 1856 with ten members at the organizational meeting. Samuel Ellis Pearce was pastor in 1859.

By the early 1900s, Shiloh Baptist Church outgrew their building and looked for a larger facility to house Sunday school classes. A committee met with another historic congregation, Gates Valley Baptist Church, to discuss the option of merging churches. In Jan. 1913, the churches agreed, and the Gates Valley building was moved to Poteet. It was placed on a corner lot on Avenue E donated by the Town Site Company of Poteet. The sanctuary’s large space was divided into rooms by hanging quilts made by women of the church. James Wesley yow was called as the first pastor to lead First Baptist Church of Poteet in late 1913. The church grew in its early years, bolstered by a Baptist training union under direction of Mrs. T. F. Bledsoe and Sunday School under leadership of Brother O. N. Crouch. Seeing that a larger building was needed, members voted in 1936 to relocate, buying six lots at 4th Street and Avenue D. Some lumber from the former church was used in the new building. In 1943, the church bought a home belonging to Mrs. Katy L. Bevins for a parsonage. Expansions and renovations have updated the campus to meet the needs of the congregation. First Baptist Church of Poteet has fostered the spiritual development of its members and neighbors through community outreach and church planting such as the Spanish speaking mission program that started Hosanna Baptist Church

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

churches Baptist denomination
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Atascosa County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history spanning hundreds of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers arrived in the 18th century, with the area eventually becoming part of the San Antonio de Béxar (San Antonio) Spanish colonial outpost.

In the early 19th century, the region experienced a migration of American settlers. Atascosa County, named after the Atascosa River that flows through it, was officially established in 1856. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with several battles fought in the area. The region's fertile land attracted farmers and ranchers, leading to the growth of the agricultural industry. Cattle ranching soon became a dominant economic activity, and the county became known for its large cattle drives and sprawling ranches.

During the Civil War, Atascosa County sided with the Confederacy, and the conflict brought some challenges to the area. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger markets, and the establishment of towns and communities brought further prosperity.

In the 20th century, Atascosa County continued to thrive economically, primarily due to agriculture, particularly cotton and corn farming. Oil and gas exploration also became significant industries in the region. The growth of cities such as Pleasanton and Jourdanton brought increased infrastructure and amenities to the area. Today, Atascosa County is an important part of the South Texas economy, contributing to agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism. Its history and heritage are celebrated through various cultural events and historical landmarks.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Atascosa County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Atascosa County is officially established by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1872 - The county's first courthouse is built in Pleasanton.
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway is completed, bringing a significant boost to the county's economy.
  • 1890 - Tornadoes cause extensive damage in the county, leading to rebuilding efforts.
  • 1898 - The county's second courthouse is constructed, replacing the original one.
  • 1908 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom, bringing economic prosperity.
  • 1920s - Atascosa County experiences a decline in agriculture due to the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
  • 1940s - World War II brings changes to the county, including the establishment of a military training base.
  • 1960s - Construction of Interstate 37 brings improved transportation infrastructure to the county.
  • 1970s - Atascosa County's population starts to grow significantly, leading to increased development.
  • 1990s - The county experiences further population growth and urbanization.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Emily causes widespread damage in the county.
  • Present - Atascosa County continues to be a mix of rural and urban communities, with a diverse economy.