“The church on horseback and wheels” sounds like something out of a Western movie doesn’t it? It really describes the earliest days of The Church of Christ in Rockwall. This plaque commemorates their story. Before Texas was a republic settlers had to support the Mexican state religion. But as Mexico’s power waned people wanted their own churches.
One group of about 300 people journeyed from Tennessee to Texas. They were led by preacher and physician Mansil Matthews. This group was part of the American Restoration Movement. It later created the Christian Church and the Church of Christ. In January 1836 Matthews’ church crossed the Red River into Texas. People believe this was the first Church of Christ congregation in Texas.
Mansil Matthews moved to Rockwall in 1853. He helped start a local Church of Christ. This Rockwall congregation grew strong. They built their first meeting place in 1880. But in 1895 a disagreement arose. It was about using instruments in worship. The congregation split into two factions. The progressive group joined the Disciples of Christ. The conservatives formed a new Church of Christ. They built their first meetinghouse in 1910.
Later another split led to the Lakeside Church of Christ. But these two groups reunited. Today they are known as Eastridge Church of Christ. This congregation honors the traditions of Texas’ early religious pioneers. They do this through service worship and study. So this plaque honors the determination and faith of those early members of The Church of Christ in Rockwall. Their legacy continues to shape the community today. It reminds us of the importance of faith unity and perseverance.