Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
First Baptist Church of Waco
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, September 28, 2019
1. First Baptist Church of Waco Marker
Organized in 1851 by the Rev. Noah Byars and four charter members, the First Baptist Church of Waco worshiped in the meetinghouse of the First Methodist Church until their own sanctuary was built at fourth and Mary Streets in 1857. It was destroyed by fire in 1877 and was replace by a larger building. The present house of worship was erected on this site in 1907.
Historic figures affiliated with First Baptist Church have included five generals of the Confederacy, former Governor of Texas Pat M. Neff, and Dr. B. M. Carroll, pastor from 1871 to 1899 and later founder of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Dr. J. M. Dawson, pastor from 1915 to 1946, resigned to become the first executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs, Washington, D. C.
From 1886, when Baylor University moved to Waco from Independence, Texas, the University and First Baptist Church have enjoyed close association. Every Baylor president since 1886 has maintained active membership here. Many of the faculty, administration and student body of Baylor University traditionally have provided vital links in the fellowship.
Several Baptist churches in Waco owe their origins to former members of this congregation.
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 31° 33.194′ N, 97° 7.69′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. It is on Webster Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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: Waco University (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Silos Baking Co. (about 400 feet away); History of the Grounds (about 500 feet away); The Grain Barn (about 500 feet away); The Silos (about 500 feet away); Dr Pepper Co Boiler & Painted Dr Pepper Sign (about 700 feet away); The Kellum and Rotan Building (about 700 feet away); DP Neon Sign & Old AMBC Building (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, September 28, 2019
2. First Baptist Church of Waco and marker
The marker can be seen in profile to the right in this view.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2019, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 728 times since then and 41 times this year. Last updated on December 19, 2022, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 8, 2019, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
