The Oldest Church in Amarillo Housed Multiple Denominations

It's fascinating to hear and learn the history of the town you live in.  Whether you grew up here or just recently moved here, the history is fascinating.

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One of the main things a city needed when it was first founded was a church.  People needed a place to worship and learn the word of God.  However, the oldest church in Amarillo wasn't just home to one church it was home to many churches.

The oldest church in Amarillo is known as Parker's Chapel.  Today the chapel sits on the property of First Baptist Church in Amarillo.

A small group of 8 people met in what was the Potter County Courthouse.  It was decided that Amarillo needed a church.  A man by the name of G.A.F Parker (who was very wealthy and was in the lumber business), attended the meeting.  He donated the lumber and helped pay for the church.  Parker's Chapel was originally located at 701 S. Jackson.

This church became the meeting place of many churches.  However, it was the Methodist Episcopal Church (now Polk Street United Methodist Church) that was the holder of the original deed to Parker's Chapel.

First Baptist Church was also founded in the walls of Parker's Chapel, in September of 1889.  It held its services in this tiny building until they were able to build the original First Baptist Church.

I'm sure the founders of this church knew that Amarillo would grow to more than 200 people. I have to wonder if they knew that Amarillo would one day hold so many churches of every denomination imaginable on nearly every corner of the city.