First Baptist Church of Silsbee
Historical marker location:In 1903, this congregation first worshiped in a railroad car in the newly developed rail and sawmill town of Silsbee. Twelve charter members officially organized Central Baptist Church in 1908 at a meeting in the Masonic Lodge Hall. Fred Haney, Ed Roper and Dr. W. H. Mcneil left Silsbee Baptist Church in 1910 to become Central Baptist’s first deacons. Following a revival the same year, developer and timber Baron John Henry Kirby donated land and lumber for the first church building on North 4th street. Brother Growe, the first called pastor, served about two years. The growing congregation built a new church at 5th Street and Avenue G after 1923.
The 1940s pastorate of Brother C. B. Bass saw significant developments, including: organizing the brotherhood in Jan. 1944; changing the name of the church to First Baptist Church of Silsbee; calling the first education and music director, Brother Coleman Young; and acquiring the old football field as a future church site.
Brother R. E. Barclay, who served nearly 30 years, was called to be pastor in Sep. 1950. In 1954, the church moved to a new sanctuary on this site, with over 800 attending the first Sunday school in the new building. Both Good Shepherd (1947) and Pinecrest (1965) Baptist Churches were missions sponsored by First Baptist Church. The church has also financially supported missionaries in the U. S. and abroad. The “Barclay wing” was dedicated as additional education space in 1978. A new sanctuary was dedicated in Feb. 1999 with a special worship service in which renovations were dedicated to be used for God’s glory. Hurricanes Rita (2005) and Ike (2008) extensively damaged church facilities, but repairs were made each time. For more than a century, the church has been a beacon of light in the community
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.
You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.
During the early 19th century, the region was part of Mexico. However, after Texas became an independent republic in 1836, Hardin County was officially established in 1858 and named after the leader of the Battle of New Orleans, William Hardin.
The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most important events in Hardin County's history was the discovery of oil in 1902, leading to an economic boom. Oil wells were drilled, refineries were established, and the local economy flourished.
Hardin County also played a role in World War II, as the area was home to Camp Hardin, a military training camp. The county's population surged during this time, as soldiers and their families moved into the area.
Today, Hardin County continues to be an important part of Texas' history and economy. It offers a mix of rural and suburban areas, with agriculture and oil production remaining vital industries. The county is proud of its heritage, with several historical landmarks and museums, preserving its past for future generations.
Hardin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hardin County, Texas.