First Christian Church

Duane's take

Here's how the official marker tells it, and here's how I tell it back to you. Out in Pettus, in Bee County, a little white church went up in 1905, and from the start it was something different. Built to serve the Protestants of Pettus, it didn't belong to any one flock.

No, sir. Contributions came in from all denominations, neighbors pitching in together before they'd even agreed on what to call the place. And the name?

That came from the woman who donated the land. Mrs. S.B.

Hodges had one request, and folks honored it. They called it a Christian Church. Then on August 29, 1906, the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, was formally organized, twenty-five members strong.

But here's the part worth savoring. For many years after, the Baptists, the Methodists, and the Disciples all ran a union Sunday School inside those same walls, and they worshipped there together. Different traditions, same building, same pews.

You don't see that kind of arrangement every day, and apparently Pettus didn't take it for granted. That tall white spire rising above the town became the landmark of Pettus itself. Not a courthouse dome, not a water tower.

A church that started with every denomination chipping in and never forgot it.

What the marker says

Built in 1905. First church to serve the needs of Protestants in Pettus. Called a Christian Church at request of land donor, Mrs. S.B. Hodges. Contributions came from all denominations. On August 29, 1906, the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was organized with 25 members. For many years Baptists, Methodists, and Disciples conducted a union Sunday School and worshipped here. Its tall white spire became the town landmark. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965