On Oct. 12-13, 1855, representatives of 12 frontier churches met in the Birdville Baptist Church to form the West Fork Association of United Baptists. Created to serve area congregations, the association provided a vital link in the early efforts of the Baptist Church in North Central Texas. Membership increased as more settlers entered the area and new churches were established. The association held its last meeting in 1886 when leaders realized the need to form smaller, more localized bodies. Many of the groups created after 1886 are still active today. (1983)