Faith That Stood the Test of Time: Orange Church Named Texas Historic Site

Published 3:28 pm Friday, July 25, 2025

Beneath the moss-draped Oaks of Orange, Texas, a small but enduring church has stood as a sanctuary of faith, hope and heritage for generations. On June 20, 2025 that legacy was formally recognized as First Baptist Church of West Orange received an official Texas Historical Marker- a tribute not only to its long-standing presence but to the spiritual and cultural imprint it has on the community.

Founded June 22, 1902, First Baptist Church of West Orange began humbly- Sixteen families gathering under a tent, their voices lifted in worship long before it was a building with electricity or running water. Over time, the church weathered wars and hurricanes growing into a cornerstone of the community.

“During World War One, Reverend Anderson resigned from the church to become a chaplain with the armed forces and brought three missionaries with him,” Meritta Kennedy, Mayor Pro Tem for the City of West Orange and clerk secretary for the First Baptist Church of West Orange said. “During World War Two, Reverend G.C. Griffin resigned to become an army chaplain during the war. The church continued to serve the town during hurricanes- giving out food and supplies.”

Its pews have held baptisms, funerals, weddings and countless Sunday morning worships. In its walls echo the prayers of generations and the stories of strength, perseverance and the unity that defined, not only the congregation, but the town itself.

“Three churches were established from the church due to growth and different things,” Kennedy said. “The first one was Winton Baptist Church located on Highway 62, second one was McDonald Baptist Church in West Orange, and the third was Calvary Baptist Church. The Church began as a tent, then a year later, a one room building. As time ticked on, the church was built bigger and bigger to house the growing congregation.”

The unveiling of the historical marker brought together current members, descendants of founding families and city officials, all there to honor the church’s legacy. The Texas Historical Commission approved the designation after a thorough review of the church’s architectural integrity, archival records and cultural significance.

“The strict, 10-page application process first went through the Orange County Historical Commission before it is sent to the State,” Kennedy said. “I had to supply references to what I was claiming about the church- church minutes, the City of West Orange information, the portal of Texas History to prove how old the church is, to prove the three other churches originated from here, I used The Orange Leader Newspapers from Nov. 13, 1930, May 8, 1956 page seven, the 1930 was volume 17, number 100 edition one, page three, as well as information from the Orange County Appraisal District, The Golden Triangle Baptist Association, and finally, I used a book from Robert Wooster, “Handbook of Texas” online. He had some references as to the history here in West Orange.”

The new marker, placed near the church’s front doors will serve as a permanent reminder of the vital role First Baptist Church of West Orange has played in Orange’s spiritual and civic life. It also opens the door for future preservation efforts, ensuring the church’s story can continue to be shared with generations to come.

“The City of Orange made a proclamation for the church, or June 22 from here on out to be the day for celebration for the city of for the First Baptist Church at West Orange,” she said. “So, they know the significance it played what it’s been through all these years, the storms it has withstood the test of time.”

In a fast-changing world, First Baptist Church of West Orange stands as proof that some things endure, not just wood and stone, but purpose, prayer and community. With the historical marker now in place, the church’s past engraved into the record books. But for the people of Orange, its truest legacy lives on in the hearts of those who still gather beneath its steeple every Sunday morning.  

First Baptist Church of West Orange is located at 608 Dayton Street in Orange, Texas.