Union Baptist Church

Founded on May 10, 1846, in a pioneer cabin under the leadership of the Rev. David Myers, Union Baptist Church was the earliest Baptist church in Dallas County. Its charter members were Franklin Bowles, J. B. and Margaret Ann Lee, Letticia (Mrs. David) Myers, and John Miller Myers, and Sarah and Thomas Keenan and Narcissus Wilburn joined soon afterward. In 1847, aided by other settlers, the congregation built its first meeting house on land given by Thomas and Sarah Keenan near Keenan Cemetery in present Farmers Branch. David Myers, the original pastor, served until his death in 1853. Within a generation, the church was relocated in Carrollton, and by 1871 it occupied its third site. In May 1896, during a three-day semicentennial celebration, a fourth sanctuary was dedicated on A.W. Perry land, and Perry Cemetery marks that site. As the town grew toward the railroads, the church had moved by 1911 to Belt Line Road at Myers Street. In time it became College Avenue Baptist Church, and in 1961 its present facilities were established and the name was changed to Highland Baptist Church. From the beginning, it played an important role in community life, influencing both sacred and secular affairs.

Carrollton, Texas · United States