In partnership with

(Est. 5 minute read)

Welcome to The Fort Worth Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sports City Taverna Pub Quiz Event

• Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performance

• A deep-dive into the life of J. Frank Norris

• And much more…

Quote of the Week

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Receive Honest News Today

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Sign up today!

Important Updates

• Yellowstone cast and crew hold wrap party at Fort Worth's Joe T. Garcia's. (link)

• Fort Worth Police say Stockyards' new bike unit catching thieves. (link)

• In downtown Fort Worth, new breakfast hours for an 18-year interior-Mexico restaurant. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Fort Worth In Film

Movie of the Week: 1883 (2021)

Filming Locations: Filming took place extensively in the Fort Worth Stockyards​.

In 1883 (2021), several key scenes were filmed extensively in the Fort Worth Stockyards, bringing a rich historical authenticity to the series. The production transformed parts of the Stockyards, including Exchange Avenue, into a dusty Old West setting by adding dirt roads and custom facades, creating a perfect backdrop for the Dutton family’s journey. Filming in the Stockyards helped capture the essence of the cattle-driven economy central to the time period, immersing viewers in the world of 1883.

Additionally, notable local venues such as Pearl’s Dance Hall and Tattoo Ranch were also transformed for the show. Pearl’s, a long-standing site, became a stand-in for the White Elephant Saloon, where a key confrontation takes place involving Billy Bob Thornton’s character. The Fort Worth Stockyards’ real-world history and these iconic locations gave the series an authentic, period-accurate feel that was essential to its Western narrative.

Famous People In Fort Worth History

J. Frank Norris (1877–1952)

Early Life and Education (1877–1905)

John Franklyn Norris, commonly known as J. Frank Norris, was born on September 18, 1877, in Dadeville, Alabama. His family later moved to Texas, where Norris grew up. Raised in a religious environment, Norris felt called to the ministry at a young age. He pursued religious studies at Baylor University and later at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His early education and experiences laid the foundation for his later work as one of the most controversial and influential pastors in American religious history.

Early Ministry and Move to Fort Worth (1905–1911)

Norris began his ministry in small Texas towns before being called to Fort Worth in 1909 to become the pastor of First Baptist Church, one of the city’s most prominent congregations. When he arrived, the church was struggling both financially and spiritually. Norris immediately set about revitalizing the congregation, using his charismatic preaching style and media savvy to draw in larger crowds. His arrival in Fort Worth marked the beginning of his rise to national prominence, though his controversial methods would also spark division.

National Fame and Controversial Leadership (1912–1930)

J. Frank Norris quickly gained fame for his fiery sermons, which often focused on social and political issues. He was known for his outspoken views against alcohol, gambling, and other vices, and he used his influence to shape public opinion on these issues. During this time, Norris also became involved in national politics, aligning himself with fundamentalist movements and using his pulpit to attack modernism and liberal theology. His aggressive, often confrontational style earned him both devoted followers and fierce critics, and he frequently used his church’s publications to battle his opponents. Norris’s tenure as pastor of First Baptist Church made him one of the most influential religious figures in Texas and across the U.S.

Connection to Fort Worth and Expansion of Influence (1930s–1940s)

Norris's influence extended far beyond his church in Fort Worth. In addition to pastoring the First Baptist Church of Fort Worth, he became the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Detroit in 1935, preaching alternately at both locations. This dual role allowed him to build a large following in two major cities, solidifying his reputation as a religious leader with national reach. His work in Fort Worth, however, remained central to his legacy, as he continued to use the pulpit to influence local politics and social issues. Norris’s church became a hub for fundamentalist activism, and his impact on Fort Worth was lasting.

Controversies and Legal Battles (1920s–1940s)

J. Frank Norris’s career was marked by several controversies, the most notable being a murder trial in 1927. Norris shot and killed D.E. Chipps, a lumberman and opponent of Norris, in the church office. Norris claimed self-defense, stating that Chipps had threatened him. The trial, which drew national attention, resulted in Norris being acquitted of murder charges, but it left a stain on his reputation. Despite the controversies, Norris remained a powerful figure in Fort Worth and continued his work as a pastor and activist.

Later Years and Legacy (1950–1952)

In his later years, Norris remained active in his ministry, though his influence began to wane as new religious leaders emerged. He continued to preach at both First Baptist Church in Fort Worth and Temple Baptist Church in Detroit until his death on August 20, 1952. Despite the controversies surrounding his life, Norris left behind a significant legacy, particularly in the realm of American fundamentalism. His methods were often divisive, but his impact on religious and social movements in the early 20th century is undeniable.

Connection to Fort Worth’s Religious and Social Fabric

Norris's influence on Fort Worth was profound. His church became a beacon for fundamentalist beliefs, and his sermons shaped the city’s religious and social landscape for decades. Though he was a polarizing figure, Norris was instrumental in establishing Fort Worth as a center for fundamentalist Christianity. His work in the city inspired a generation of preachers and activists, and the legacy of his church continues to be felt in the region.

Legacy and Influence on American Fundamentalism (1952–Present)

J. Frank Norris is remembered as one of the most influential and controversial figures in American religious history. He helped lay the foundation for modern fundamentalist movements and was a pioneer in using media, such as radio and print, to spread his message. His approach to preaching and activism set the tone for future evangelical leaders, and his legacy remains alive through the institutions he built. Despite the controversies, Norris’s work continues to be studied as a critical chapter in the history of American religion.

Key Achievements:

• Transformed First Baptist Church of Fort Worth into a nationally influential center for fundamentalist Christianity.

• Became a prominent leader in the American fundamentalist movement, preaching against modernism and social vices.

• Pastored two megachurches—First Baptist Church in Fort Worth and Temple Baptist Church in Detroit—simultaneously.

• Acquitted in a high-profile murder trial, cementing his status as a divisive but powerful figure.

J. Frank Norris was a highly influential yet controversial pastor whose leadership of Fort Worth’s First Baptist Church shaped the city’s religious and social landscape. His bold and confrontational style, combined with his dual leadership in both Fort Worth and Detroit, made him a significant figure in American fundamentalism. Despite numerous controversies, including a murder trial, Norris's legacy as a religious leader continues to influence evangelical movements in Fort Worth and beyond.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you.

-Yannick Lyons

Poll