First Baptist Church of Madisonville
In 1856, two years after the formation of Madisonville, J. W. D. Creath, a missionary to the fledgling State of Texas for the Southern Baptist Convention, deeded two town lots south of this site to the trustees of Madisonville Baptist Church. In 1877 the Liberty Baptist Church was born from a revival meeting held about four miles from town. Four years later the Liberty Church accepted an invitation from Madisonville residents, probably including members of the adjourned Madisonville Baptist Church, to move into town.
Despite lean years, the congregation erected its first permanent home in 1889-1890. Church women led fund raising efforts to provide a bell and organ for the new building. In 1902, as part of a statewide Baptist division, six members left the church to form the Madisonville Missionary Baptist church and the original congregation became the First Baptist Church in 1903. The two congregations were reunited in 1913 with a combined membership of 217. The following year, weekly services began. A new building was erected and a church complex began to take shape.
The congregation became active in mission work in the 1950s, supporting a total of eighteen missions. In 1983, the First Baptist Hispanic Mission of Madisonville was established. This work continued through the 20th century.
The founders of the First Baptist Church of Madisonville built a tradition of community service, worship and mission work. Many descendants of the early members continue to uphold that tradition, serving the community with a variety of programs. (1998)
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In 1821, Texas received independence from Spain, and the area that encompasses Madison County became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In 1836, after the Texan Revolution, Texas gained its independence from Mexico and Madison County was created as a separate entity in 1853. It was named after the fourth U.S. President, James Madison, and was primarily established as a farming community due to its fertile soil and abundance of water sources.
During the Civil War era, Madison County, like much of Texas, supported the Confederate States of America. Many of the residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area experienced its fair share of conflict and devastation. Following the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, relying on agriculture and ranching as key industries.
Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to thrive agriculturally. Cotton became a major crop, and the county became known for its production and processing. The discovery of oil and gas fields further bolstered the economy, providing a new source of wealth and employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich history while embracing economic diversification and growth.
Madison County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Madison County, Texas.
- 1837 - Madison County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas
- Mid-1800s - Pioneers settle in the area, primarily of Anglo-American descent
- 1853 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Madisonville
- Late 1800s - The county experiences population growth with the arrival of railroad lines
- 1861-1865 - Madison County residents participate in the American Civil War
- Late 1800s to early 1900s - Agriculture, including cotton, becomes a major industry in the county
- 1911 - The discovery of oil leads to the development of the oil industry in the county
- 20th century - Madisonville becomes an important center for trade and commerce in the region
- Present - Madison County remains a rural area with a diverse economy including agriculture, oil, and tourism