First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lockhart

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'm just along for the ride. Way back in 1852, seven people got together in Lockhart and said, we're doing this. Seven.

You could fit the whole congregation in a large living room, but they were organized, they were committed, and they were the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. Six years later, in 1858, they built their first sanctuary. Right across the street from where this marker stands today.

Now, a seven-member church building a sanctuary, that is an act of faith. But here's the thing about faith. It has a way of growing.

And the membership grew right along with it, until that first little sanctuary couldn't hold them anymore. So they went looking for something grander. They found their man in Tom Hodges.

In 1898, Hodges designed and built what you're looking at right now, a Gothic revival building that had no intention of going unnoticed. Hodges wasn't new to big work, either. He served as architect on several public buildings right there in Lockhart, so the congregation knew what they were getting.

What they got was lancet windows reaching upward like the whole building was making a point toward the sky. Decorative brickwork. And corner turrets, because apparently Tom Hodges believed that if you're going to build a church, you build a church.

Seven members in 1852 to a Gothic revival landmark by 1898. That's not just a congregation growing. That's a statement.

What the marker says

Organized in 1852 with seven members, this congregation constructed its first sanctuary in 1858. Located across the street from this site, it soon became too small for the growing membership. In 1898, this Gothic revival building was designed and built by Tom Hodges, who served as the architect on several public buildings in Lockhart. The ornate sanctuary features lancet windows, decorative brickwork, and corner turrets. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985