Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Columbus Avenue Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

1. Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. On December 24, 1900, a group of Baptists living in the newly developed North Waco neighborhood gathered together at the home of J.T. Strother to discuss the formation of a new congregation. With assistance from the First Baptist Church of Waco, which granted letters of transfer to twenty-three of its members, the North Waco Baptist Church officially began in January 1901.

Early worship services were held in the Second Presbyterian Church and in the YMCA building until land at this site was acquired in March 1901. The church was renamed Columbus Street Baptist Church. The Rev. R.G. Bowers was called as first pastor in May, and a small frame sanctuary was erected in October 1901.

Continued growth over the years led to construction of larger facilities. In 1926 the church name became Columbus Avenue Baptist Church when the street was renamed.

Throughout its history, this congregation has maintained a strong community involvement, ministering to the elderly, students, wartime soldiers stationed at nearby camps, the deaf, and disadvantaged, as well as to mission congregations throughout the city.

Erected 1991

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by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 978.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1901.

Location. 31° 33.099′ N, 97° 8.475′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. It is at the intersection of Columbus Avenue and North 13th Street, on the left when traveling west on Columbus Avenue. The marker is located southwest of the main entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1300 Columbus Avenue, Waco TX 76701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Mary's Church of the Assumption (about 300 feet away, measured

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

2. Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Marker

in a direct line); The Sturgis House (about 400 feet away); Rotan-Dosset House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Austin Avenue United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Austin Avenue Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Waco (approx. ¼ mile away); First Lutheran Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Stratton Stricker Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.

The Columbus Avenue Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

3. The Columbus Avenue Baptist Church

The view of the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church and marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 4, 2022

4. The view of the Columbus Avenue Baptist Church and marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 547 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.