Sutherland Springs, Wilson County
Originally called Sutherland Springs Central Baptist Church, the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs was established in 1926. Prior to this date, citizens of the community heard sermons from circuit riders traveling through the area and met in each other's homes. In 1926, a group of people gathered to form a Baptist church, initially meeting in the old Sutherland Springs School building. Soon, the congregation erected a frame building on the site of the home of Dr. John Sutherland, the founder of the community. Dr. Sutherland's hand-dug water cistern lined with limestone is still visible. In 1949, the original church was replaced with a new, modern facility on the same site using lumber from the old building. The farmers, laborers and truck drivers within the congregation adeptly constructed the 1949 sanctuary themselves. During the construction, the congregation met at the Old Town Sutherland Springs School gymnasium. Members engaged with each other and the larger community through regular events. First Baptist's calendar included Vacation Bible School, Fall Festival, Sunday School and meetings of the Women's Missionary Union and Baptist Training Union. Baptisms were conducted in Cibolo Creek. Regular outings included trips to the zoo and aquarium, Old Towne Days Parade and camp outs which featured sermons by the lake. Members organized community outreaches such as a food and clothing pantry, a twice-annual tent revival and Thanksgiving community dinner. Tragedy struck the church on November 5, 2017, when a gunman killed 26 church members. To help heal from the horrible event, the church built a new sanctuary on the property, determined to continue its history of service and love in the community. (2020)