First Christian Church of Denton

Duane's take

Here's my telling of what the official marker has to say about the First Christian Church of Denton. Now settle in, because this one goes back a good ways. The year is 1868, and a congregation is taking shape in Denton.

No building of their own, not yet. Elder Terrell Jasper is leading the faithful, and they're gatherin' in the local Masonic Hall. You make do with what you've got, and they did.

For years, that borrowed space was their sanctuary. Then, in 1876, a frame church building finally goes up, and the congregation has a place to call their own. That's the first chapter.

The second chapter opens in 1902, when a state charter is issued to First Christian Church of Denton, making it official in the eyes of Texas law. And they weren't slowin' down. By 1904, a brick building rises at the corner of Hickory and Piner streets.

Now here's the detail worth sittin' with: that brick building was the first of three structures to house the congregation at that very same location. Three buildings, one corner, one continuing story. The third chapter moves the congregation to 1203 Fulton Street, and this is where things get a little distinguished.

The current facility there was designed by O'Neil Ford and completed in 1959. From a borrowed hall in 1868 to a purpose-built O'Neil Ford design, the First Christian Church of Denton has been providing spiritual leadership in the community the whole way through. Some things in Texas just hold.

What the marker says

This congregation, established in 1868 and led by Elder Terrell Jasper, initially met in the local Masonic Hall until a frame church building was erected in 1876. A state charter was issued to First Christian Church of Denton in 1902. By 1904 a brick building was constructed at Hickory and Piner streets, the first of three structures to house the congregation at that location. The current facility at 1203 Fulton Street was designed by O'Neil Ford and was completed in 1959. The church continues to provide spiritual leadership in the community. (1997)