Final push to win funding for old church

The Historic First Baptist Church of San Marcos is in the running to win the national “Vote Your Main Street” preservation campaign sponsored by American Express, National Geographic, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Main Street America.

The top 10 projects with the most votes will each win $150,000 in grant funding. With only one week left in the voting competition, the San Marcos Main Street Program is asking for the public’s help and participation to secure a victory for the Historic First Baptist Church.

Any supporter of this project is welcome to visit the Main Street office, located at 317 N. LBJ Dr., and pick up a free T-shirt while supplies last. 

The artwork of the Historic First Baptist Church featured on the shirt was drawn by San Marcos High School art student Isabella de la Iglesia. The public is invited to wear the shirt at any point this week to help promote the vote in the final days of the contest.

San Marcos is one of 20 cities across the country in the running for this grant, and is the only community in Texas competing against powerhouses like New York City, Chicago, Boston and San Francisco.

“The impact this church has had on Texas history and the San Marcos community is immeasurable and is the reason why our program is fighting hard to win,” said San Marcos Interim Main Street Program Manager Josie Falletta. “The Historic First Baptist Church deserves to be preserved because its history needs to be remembered.”

How to Vote:

• Go to Vote Your Main Street's website
• Create an account
• Verify your email
• Cast all 5 of your allotted votes for our project, the Historic First Baptist Church, every day through Friday, Oct. 26.

For more information visit Landmark of Hope's website or contact the San Marcos Main Street at mainstreet@sanmarcostx.gov or 512-393-8430.