Taylor in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Baptist Church

Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

1. First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. In 1883, young black evangelist Dr. I. Benjamin Toliver held a tent revival in a grassy field at this site. In 1886, Dr. Toliver officially organized Mt. Aria Baptist Church work on a permanent sanctuary began that year and was completed in 1904. The first two seated pastors, the Rev. A.L. Boone and Dr. L.K. Williams were later secretary and president, respectively of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Notable deacons include legendary rodeo bulldogger Bill Pickett, and Samuel Houston "Papa" Hennington, Sr., who served for 64 years. In 1940, Rev L.E. Brown led remodeling of the sanctuary and a name change to First Baptist Church. The church has experienced untold blessings from god and spiritually served many of his faithful disciples.

Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17362.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 30° 34.226′ N, 97° 24.149′ W. Marker is in Taylor, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker is at the intersection of North Robinson Street and East 3rd Street, on the right when traveling north on North Robinson Street. The marker is located on the right side of the front entrance

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to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 North Robinson Street, Taylor TX 76574, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Taylor City Cemetery War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Veterans of Taylor, Texas (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. James Lee Dickey (approx. 0.2 miles away); Luther Stearns, Sr. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Tex Avery (approx. 0.4 miles away); City of Taylor (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bill Pickett (approx. 0.4 miles away); Eikel-Prewitt Building (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Taylor.

Also see . . . Pickett, William (ca. 1870–1932). Texas State Historical Association

William (Will, Bill) Pickett, rodeo cowboy, was the son of Thomas Jefferson and Mary Virginia Elizabeth (Gilbert) Pickett, who were former slaves. According to family records, Pickett was born at the Jenks-Branch community on the Travis county line on December 5, 1870. He was the second of thirteen children. He became a cowboy after completing the fifth grade. After observing herder dogs subduing huge steers by biting their upper lips, Will found he could do the same thing. He perfected this unique method of bulldogging as well as roping and riding and was soon giving exhibitions and
Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

2. The First Baptist Church and Marker
passing the hat for donations. In 1888 he performed at the first fair in Taylor, his family's new hometown. The Pickett brothers established a horse-breaking business in Taylor, where Will was also a member of the national guard and a deacon of the Baptist church. There, in December 1890, he married Maggie Turner.

(Submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the First Baptist Church and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse

3. The view of the First Baptist Church and Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 16, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.