Martin Springs Baptist Church celebrates 140th anniversary

1881 was a long time ago. It was a year in which three different men served as President of the United States. Only the second time that has ever happened. That year saw one, Rutherford B. Hayes, end his term and turn the reigns of the country over to James A. Garfield. Garfield would be assassinated during the summer, thus leaving his term to Chester Arthur. It was chaotic, it was tumultuous. Hopkins County, Texas was growing while these events swirled around everyone. People were moving and forming communities, some of which are still with us today. After all, 140 years is a long time ago. 

Martin Springs, a small community just outside of Sulphur Springs on state highway 11, founded both a church in 1881. Beginning as just a small group of families, Martin Springs Baptist Church quickly became more than just a Sunday meeting spot. As early as 1885, MSBC partnered with other area churches in order to hold socials, meetings, singings and revivals. It was a focal point for the community and a place to spend time. In fact, by 1893 MSBC boasted 105 members, which was a very large number for the time. 

Simultaneous to the church, Martin Springs also founded a local cemetery. The earliest markers indicate that it was in use also by 1881. We in 2021 do not often remember the times when the cemetery was a place for family gatherings and picnics. We do not often have community clean up days at the cemetery and share in a pot luck dinner. Those days were few, even by the 1950’s. Few traditions of 140 years ago carry on into today.

However, on September 18-19th, MSBC and MSCA have once again partnered to host a 140th anniversary celebration. A community celebration will be held on the Saturday of the 18th from six to nine in the evening. There will be food, games, singing, and a gathering of the community. The following day, the church will hold a special homecoming for families of those that have moved away and former pastors. There will be a rededication to ministry and the community. This will be followed by the church providing a meal for the homecoming of the MSCA. There will be a cemetery meeting followed by the dedication of a flag pole at the cemetery proper, along with a ceremonial flag raising.

A lot has happened in 140 years. Flight was invented. Refrigeration has proliferated. Automobiles now populate our road system. So much has changed, yet some things, and people, remain. Here’s to another 140 years in Hopkins County.