First Christian Church of Santa Anna

Duane's take

Here's the marker's own account, and I'm just the one bringin' it to you on the road. The First Christian Church of Santa Anna, Coleman County, Texas. Now some stories start with a bang and some start with a congregation lookin' for a place to sit down together.

This one started in 1894, when the founding members of this church gathered for the first time. For years, they worshiped in various places, the way a lot of early Texas congregations did, making do, moving along, holding on. Then came 1900, and the members purchased a lot.

They were done borrowing. They were building something of their own. Construction began, and when April 1901 arrived, the Reverend E.

M. Douthit and the Reverend B. B.

Sanders stood together to lead the dedication ceremonies. Two reverends for one church. That is not nothing.

Now, if you ever pull off and walk up to that building, the first thing that'll catch your eye is the off-center entry tower and spire. It dominates the whole frame structure, and hanging inside that tower is a solid brass bell. Solid brass.

Not decorative, not ornamental. Solid. Step inside and the original beaded ceiling and wainscoting are still there, still doing what they were put there to do over a hundred years ago.

And in the vestibule, there is a kerosene lamp. It has been converted to electricity somewhere along the way, but nobody took it down, and nobody threw it out. That lamp has watched this congregation through every chapter.

Founded in 1894. Still standing. Some things in Texas are just built to last.

What the marker says

Founded in 1894, this congregation worshiped in various places until members purchased this lot in 1900 and began construction of their own building. The Rev. E. M. Douthit and the Rev. B. B. Sanders led the dedication ceremonies in April 1901. A solid brass bell hangs in the off-center entry tower and spire that dominates this frame church. The interior has original beaded ceiling and wainscoting. The kerosene lamp in the vestibule has been converted to electricity. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1976