First Christian Church

The First Christian Church had its beginning with Sunday services held under a tree near the church's present location. The lot was bought in 1886 and the lot and the new church building were conveyed back to the church from the William Cameron Company, August 25, 1894. The Cameron Company retained the vendor's lien of $425.00 until it was paid on December 1, 1894.

The deed for the land was given by C.O. Longmire in consideration of the sum of $250.00 paid by First Christian Church trustees, J.W. Birkhead, P.S. Woodward and J.D. McClanahan, February 8, 1887.

First Christian Church completed its organization March 21, 1892. On September 15, 1895, Harry A. Majors became the first pastor of the church. During the years that followed numerous evangelists served for different periods of time. In 1956, the church celebrated its sixty-fourth anniversary. A booklet prepared at that time showed a total membership of eighteen.

First Christian Church disbanded in 1972, but other church groups continued to meet in the building. Johnny Watkins, Waco radio and television personality, established a Men's Sunday School Class that continues to meet weekly even several years after Johnny Watkins' death.

Original church benches, pulpit, piano and other furnishings remain in the building. Paneling was added in 1972 to replace the wallpapered walls using the original wainscoting.

The church was incorporated by the State of Texas on April 2, 1961 with original directors J.R. Saunders, Erle Powell, and Charles C. Powell.

On June 21, 1990, Historic First Christian Church was deeded to the Coryell County Museum Foundation, Inc. by the two remaining church trustees, Erle Powell and J.R. Saunders.

Coryell Museum and Historical Center is proud to assist in continuing this church's legacy. Weddings, Christenings, church services, singings and funerals are still held here. For information on tours and reservations for events, please call the museum at 254-865-5007.



718 Main St. Gatesville, TX 76528 254-865-5007 Email: Coryell Museum Web Design: AfterShocks Art & Design		The First Christian Church had its beginning with Sunday services held under a tree near the church's present location. The lot was bought in 1886 and the lot and the new church building were conveyed back to the church from the William Cameron Company, August 25, 1894. The Cameron Company retained the vendor's lien of $425.00 until it was paid on December 1, 1894. The deed for the land was given by C.O. Longmire in consideration of the sum of $250.00 paid by First Christian Church trustees, J.W. Birkhead, P.S. Woodward and J.D. McClanahan, February 8, 1887. First Christian Church completed its organization March 21, 1892. On September 15, 1895, Harry A. Majors became the first pastor of the church. During the years that followed numerous evangelists served for different periods of time. In 1956, the church celebrated its sixty-fourth anniversary. A booklet prepared at that time showed a total membership of eighteen. First Christian Church disbanded in 1972, but other church groups continued to meet in the building. Johnny Watkins, Waco radio and television personality, established a Men's Sunday School Class that continues to meet weekly even several years after Johnny Watkins' death. Original church benches, pulpit, piano and other furnishings remain in the building. Paneling was added in 1972 to replace the wallpapered walls using the original wainscoting. The church was incorporated by the State of Texas on April 2, 1961 with original directors J.R. Saunders, Erle Powell, and Charles C. Powell. On June 21, 1990, Historic First Christian Church was deeded to the Coryell County Museum Foundation, Inc. by the two remaining church trustees, Erle Powell and J.R. Saunders. Coryell Museum and Historical Center is proud to assist in continuing this church's legacy. Weddings, Christenings, church services, singings and funerals are still held here. For information on tours and reservations for events, please call the museum at 254-865-5007. Copyright © 2008 Coryell Museum and Historical Center