Texas Historical Marker #16949
First Baptist Church. In 1940, 28 charter members organized a Baptist church to meet the spiritual needs of the local community. Though worshippers had met for services in the area since 1877, the community, then known as Prairie View, had lacked an organized church for a number of years. Interest in forming a church was renewed when Central Baptist Church of Port Arthur led a vacation bible school for the community and local residents organized and began attending Sunday School. The Rev. J.B. Perry was the first pastor for the congregation, which was first known as Blandale Baptist Church. Other nearby Baptist congregations supported the new church through donations and service. After Prairie View changed names to Bridge City, following completion of the Rainbow and Cow Bayou swing bridges, the institution became known as Bridge City Baptist Church, before taking its current name in 1948. In 1953, a new sanctuary was constructed at this location. The congregation has historically been active in the community, serving families in financial need and offering use of its facilities for public education and as a staging area and shelter following hurricanes. The church also established a school, which began operating in 1958. Additionally, members have focused on missions, establishing Harmony Baptist (later Second Baptist) and Liberty Baptist Churches. Today, First Baptist Church continues to serve as a spiritual and social leader for Bridge City, a community with which it is inextricably connected. #16949
200 West Roundbunch Road, Bridge City, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11509
Rainbow Bridge. The rapid growth of the petrochemical industry in Orange and Jefferson counties in the early 20th century led to increased population in this area. In order to serve the transportation needs of workers and others in this vicinity, the Dryden ferry was established in 1926. It soon proved inadequate for the volume of traffic, however, and plans began for the construction of a bridge to span the Neches River. Jefferson County, the State of Texas, and the Federal government (through the Public Works Administration) all provided funding for the bridge's construction. While the citizens of Orange County also supported the project, the county's economic situation did not permit monetary assistance. Construction of the bridge began in 1936, and was not completed until over two years later. Measuring 176 feet in height and 7760 feet in length, it was the largest bridge ever built by the State of Texas up to that time. Dedication ceremonies were held on Sept. 8, 1938, attracting a crowd of approximately 20,000. Among the activities were a boat regatta on the river and a stunt diver's plunge from the top of the bridge into the water below. The structure was officially named "Rainbow Bridge" in a 1957 contest. #11509
SH 87, Bridge City, TX, United States