Historical Marker

Bethel Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
1200 Ave C, Bay City, Texas
( 1200 Avenue C, Bay City)
Marker installed: 1993
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Lacking church facilities in their "North-end" African American neighborhood, Harris and Maria Anderson began to hold lay services in their home about 1904. They built a brush arbor and in 1905 organized the Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Wren as its first pastor. The church met in a building relocated to this site in 1906. The congregation erected its first sanctuary here in 1910. It was eventually razed and replaced with a brick church building in 1954. The church has maintained a tradition of pride in its facilities and continues to serve the community.

(1993)

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.

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Matagorda County, located in Texas along the Gulf Coast, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Coahuiltecan peoples. It was first explored by Europeans in the late 17th century, with expeditions led by René Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Alonso De León. These explorations laid the foundation for future colonization efforts.

In the 1820s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive in Matagorda County, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The Mexican government granted land grants to individuals, and the population grew rapidly. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Matagorda taking place in 1832. The victory of Texan forces led to the expulsion of Mexican troops from the area.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to Matagorda County. This led to the establishment of oil refineries and other industries, transforming the region's economy. However, the boom was followed by a period of decline due to the Great Depression and changes in the oil industry. The county experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century with the growth of tourism and recreational activities along the Gulf Coast.

Today, Matagorda County is known for its beautiful beaches and wetlands, attracting visitors from all over. It continues to be an important center for fishing, agriculture, and petrochemical industries. The county's history is preserved through museums and historical sites, providing a glimpse into its vibrant past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Matagorda County, Texas.

  • 1825 - Stephen F. Austin established a colony around Matagorda Bay.
  • 1832 - Matagorda County was officially created and named after the Matagorda Bay.
  • 1834 - The town of Matagorda became the county seat.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico.
  • 1846 - Matagorda County became part of the state of Texas when it was admitted to the United States.
  • 1856 - The town of Bay City was established as a trade center.
  • 1875 - The county courthouse in Matagorda was destroyed by fire.
  • 1882 - Bay City became the new county seat.
  • 1942 - The Matagorda Island National Wildlife Refuge was established.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Frances caused significant damage to Matagorda County.