In a previous lesson it will be seen that the Methodist Church sent the largest number of clergymen, in early times, to Texas.

The first Baptist preacher who came to the country, was the Rev. Joseph Bays, who emigrated from Missouri, and preached on Peach Creek, on the west side of the Brazos, in the year 1826. In a short time he removed to San Antonio, where he continued to labor until he was ordered away by the Mexican authorities. In 1829, a number of Baptists, who came from New York, established the first Sabbath-School in the country, in the town of San Felipe. It was taught by T. J. Pilgrim, who was the interpreter of the Spanish language in Austin's colony. The same year another Sabbath-School was opened at Matagorda, and in the year following, a similar one was started at "Old Caney" by members of the same church. After this time, many members and ministers of the Baptist Church came to the country, and organized churches in different parts of the State.

In the year 1838, the Rev. Caleb S. Ives, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, arrived at Matagorda, where he collected a congregation, established a school, and built a church. He continued to labor until 1849, when he died. In the fall of 1838, the Rev. R. M. Chapman, of the same church, came to Houston, and organized a parish. In 1840, he was succeeded by the Rev. H. B. Godwin.

In the spring of 1840, the Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk (now General Polk of the Confederate army) visited and explored the country between the Trinity and the Colorado. In 1844, the Rt. Rev. G. W. Freeman, Bishop of Arkansas, visited the churches of Texas, and continued his visits annually for several years. In 1841, the Rev. B. Eaton was sent out as a missionary to Galveston and Houston. On the 1st of January, 1849, a separate Diocese was organized for Texas, with six clergymen. Since that time the Episcopal Church has continued to grow both in numbers and influence.

The Presbyterian church was not among the pioneer churches in Texas. About the year 1838, the Rev. Hugh Wilson arrived in the new Republic. He was probably the first Presbyterian minister who settled in Texas. He organized a Presbyterian Church in San Antonio shortly after his arrival, and in the year following established one at Independence. He was a laborious and useful man, and will always stand high among the first ministers of the Gospel in Texas. The Rev. John McCulloch came to Galveston about the same time, and gathered a congregation and founded a Sabbath-School, under many disadvantages. The state of morals and religion in the Island City at that time was not very favorable to the efforts of the young missionary.

With the Rev. W. Y. Allen at Houston, and Rev. W. C. Blair, P. H. Fullenwider, I. J. Henderson, F. Rutherford, and a few others, located at different points in the State, the Presbyterian Church began, about the year 1840, to take a position among the other religious denominations in the country, and has been gradually advancing in influence and usefulness until the present time. As most of the clergymen referred to are still living, we can say but little more respecting them than merely to give their names.

The most laborious and useful minister of the Presbyterian Church, who ever lived in Texas, was the Rev. Dr. Baker, who died within a few years past at Austin. He was a man of great energy and apostolic zeal. All could see that his sole aim and purpose was to preach the Gospel, and do good to the souls of men. Coming to Texas as a missionary about the year 1840, he visited almost every part of the State, and preached most abundantly. In all weathers, and in all places, he showed himself the fearless soldier of the cross. With a fine person, a silvery voice, and often with melting eyes, he presented the great truths of salvation in such a manner as to attract large congregations, and win many converts to Christ. At last, after a long and useful ministry, he died a peaceful and happy death, in the city of Austin. The College at Huntsville owes its existence to his exertions.