Marker Location: Johnson and Oak Streets, Utopia. At the dawn of the 21st century, Utopia Baptist Church continues in the traditions of its founders with programs of worship and service.Historical Marker text, 2000. A new church building was dedicated in 1952, and the church thrived in the second half of the Twentieth century. Several young men and women of the church volunteered for service in World War II Roy D. Member Leslie Bounds was wounded in World War I and died on the journey home. The church was represented by volunteers during the first and second world wars. In addition to its programs in Utopia, the church supported a small mission in nearby Vanderpool and was instrumental in the establishment of the Alto Frio Baptist Encampment. The congregation held revivals under a brush arbor until a tabernacle was constructed in 1928. During the 1920s the church was renamed Utopia Baptist church. By 1915 the church had 150 regularly attending members. The Baptists purchased land from Robert Kincheloe, one of Utopia's founding citizens, in 1892 and erected a building there in 1912. The Methodist congregation shared its facilities with the small Baptist congregation until a Baptist church was erected. Nine new members were baptized that year. The first pastor of the Utopia Church was the Rev. On that date the congregation petitioned the Rio Grande Baptist Association for membership. The Utopia Missionary Baptist Church was organized before July 20, 1886. Marker Location: At end of Cypress Street off (eastward) Highway 187, Utopia. This Gothic sanctuary, built in early 1890s with members doing much of the work, is on a site given by the Rev. Potter, noted Civil War chaplain and circuit rider. Pecan grove behind present church was site of many pioneer camp meetings under brush arbors. Established in 1866 as part of the Uvalde-Kerrville Mission later in the Uvalde Circuit. Marker Location: East Main Street (Highway 187), Utopia, across from general store. Marker sponsored by citizens of Utopia - 1973. Town is now a center for ranching, retirement, vacationing. New name praising climate was chosen by Postmaster George Barker. Church of Christ congregation relocated here, 1902. Methodists had church here before town was founded. Post office moved from Waresville in 1883. They platted town as "Montana", giving land for churches, school, and community square. Kincheloe and family moved here, built a home and in 1873 a 2-story rock store. After an 1886 Indian raid on their nearby Little Creek home, R.
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