Today in Texas History
August 31 - Texas History
This is today in Texas history. On this day August the 31st, in 1839, Independence Baptist Church in Independence, Washington County was organized by Reverend Thomas Spragans and a small group of fellow Baptist. The church had strong ties to Baylor University, Baylor Female Department and Baylor College during the years as these institutions were located in Independence. Margaret Lee Houston was a member of Independence Church. Her husband Sam Houston joined Independence Church in 1854 and was baptized the same day by Rufus Burleson. In 1958 the church voted to construct a new building at its present location. This building was destroyed by fire in 1872. Some of the old walls remained and the church was rebuilt in the same year. Today Independence Church remains a regularly constituted Baptist Church in cooperation with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It has also been designated a Texas Baptist Historical Center. Though the current building dates back only to 1872, the pew in which Sam Houston set has been preserved in its mark so that visitors can see it. I bet you didn't know that. That was today in Texas history. For more information visit our website at www.beadaholique.com for all of your beading supplies needs!