When the writer came to Fort Worth in October, 1872, the only church
edifice in the town was that of the Christian church which occupied the
center of the block bounded by Main and Houston, Fourth and Fifth
streets. It was a small brick structure but of ample proportions to
accommodate the small congregation that worshipped there. Elder J. A.
Clark filled the pulpit.
The Presbyterians had no organization at that time, but one was
perfected early in the year 1873 and there were services once a month by
an evangelist who lived at Waxahachie. Very soon Rev. W. M. Kilpatrick,
who was traveling through North Texas with his family, in a covered
wagon, was called by this denomination and thereafter it had regular
services in a room over Knight's livery stable, which stood about the
corner of Calhoun and Third streets.
The Methodists worshipped every Sunday morning and evening at the Court
House with Rev. R. R. H. Burnett as pastor.
The Baptists under Rev. J. R. Masters met on the first and second
Sundays at the Masonic building, which stood in the middle of Belknap
street, near the corner of Elm.
The Cumberland Presbyterians held one meeting in the month at the same
place with Rev. W. D. Wear as pastor.
The Catholics met on the last Sunday of the month at the residence of
Mr. Scott, on Main street, Father Parrier being their priest.
On May 15th, 1874, the Methodists commenced the erection of a place of
worship at the corner of Fourth and Grove streets, where they remained
until their present commodious and imposing structure was erected.
The Baptists started the building of their first church on the 15th day
of August, 1874. The building was erected on the grounds where the City
Hall now stands.
In May, 1877, the Presbyterians commenced the erection of a commodious
edifice at the corner of Fourth and Jones streets. B. B. Paddock, J. P.
Alexander, J. M. Hartsfield, S. P. Greene and J. C. Scott composed the
building committee. It was described by a local writer of the day as
"handsome and commodious." It must have been, as its dimensions were
30x50 feet and would seat 350 people.
The Episcopalians seem to have left no record that is accessible of
their early work, but it is known that they were here, though in small
numbers. They must have made up in enthusiasm what they lacked in
numbers for it is recorded that on November 23d, 1877, they purchased a
lot at the corner of Rusk at Fifth street for the fabulous sum of
$325.00 and announced that they would proceed to build a church edifice.
They kept the promise. It was occupied for the first time on the 12th
day of February, 1878. It was dedicated April 15th, 1878. It was
reported to have a seating capacity of 280.
As an evidence of the change that time has wrought in church matters, it
is recorded that the Rev. M. D. Fly tendered his resignation as pastor
of the First Methodist church in September, 1878, giving as a reason for
his action that he could not live on $275.00 per year. That must have
been before W. J. Boaz joined the church and before George Mulkey made
his "stake."