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The Utopia Missionary Baptist Church was organized before July 20, 1886. On that date the congregation petitioned the Rio Grande Baptist Association for membership. The first pastor of the Utopia Church was the Rev. Lawrence S. Cox. The nine charter members were Mrs. Margaret Bownds, Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Bownds, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Croft, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Jackson Sowell, and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Reynolds. Nine new members were baptized that year. The Methodist congregation shared its facilities with the small Baptist congregation until a Baptist church was erected. The Baptists purchased land from Robert Kincheloe, one of Utopia's founding citizens, in 1892 and erected a building there in 1912. By 1915 the church had 150 regularly attending members. During the 1920s the church was renamed Utopia Baptist church. The congregation held revivals under a brush arbor until a tabernacle was constructed in 1928. 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 church was represented by volunteers during the First and Second World Wars. Member Leslie Bownds was wounded in World War I and died on the journey home. Several young men and women of the church volunteered for service in World War II; Roy D. Tampke gave his life in that conflict. A new church building was dedicated in 1952, and the church thrived in the second half of the twentieth century. At the dawn of the 21st century, Utopia Baptist Church continues in the traditions of its founders with programs of worship and service. (2000) |
