Historical Markers of Genealogical Interest in McLennan County.

Compiled by Diane E. Wilson.  This is being uploaded to the TXGenWeb for free use in genealogical research.  This may not be reproduced without the written consent of Diane E. Wilson and the TXGenWeb Project. These records were compiled from the records of the Texas Historical Commission, Austin, TX.

These are not in exact alphabetical order so it is suggested that you use the search engine provided. The date in parenthesis at the end of the description is the date the marker was placed.

Historic McLennan County Churches

Austin Avenue Methodist Church – Location: 1300 Austin Avenue

Designed by R.H. Hunt, this Edifice is substantial interpretation of Gothic Architecture. It was built in 1925 during the ministry of the Rev. Cullom H. Booth. The two-story-equivalent brick structure, which rests on a raised basement, features a prominent Bell Tower. The original tracery detail in the tower was removed by the 1940s. The original art glass windows and tracery detail in the sanctuary were replaced after a 1954 fire caused extensive damage. (1990)

Austin Avenue United Methodist Church – Location: 1300 Austin Ave; Waco

At the close of the nineteenth century, when it was determined that Waco's Fifth Street Methodist Episcopal Church, south (now First United Methodist Church) had grown too large, its members petitioned the denomination conference of the organization of another congregation in Waco. As a result, the quarterly conference approved the establishment of Austin Avenue Methodist Church on December 31, 1900. The Rev. John R. Nelson was appointed to organize the new congregation. Three lots were purchased at the corner of Austin Avenue and 12th street for a church building. The congregation was officially chartered on December 29, 1901, with a membership of 81,and a sanctuary was completed in April 1902. The congregation experienced a steady growth that paralleled that of its neighborhood. When the first building became too small for the growing church, it was sold to Trinity Presbyterian Church, and a New Methodist structure was built as Austin Avenue and 13th street. Throughout its History, this church has served its community with a variety of outreach programs. It continues to be an important part of Waco's history. (1990)

Bosqueville Baptist Church – Location: Rock Creek Rd. in Bosqueville

The Rev. S.G. O'Bryan organized this church in Nov. 1854. Frank Broadus, N.W. Brain, W.S.Gill, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. and Mrs. S.F. Sparks were charter members. They met in a log schoolhouse, and later at Bosqueville College. In 1887 the Bosque Masonic Lodge and this church jointly built a meeting house that burned within four months. The first sanctuary was completed in 1895; present one in 1917. One of the oldest rural congregations in McLennan County, this church has worshiped without interruption since 1854. (1978)

Bosqueville Methodist Church – Location: Rock Creek area – Bosqueville

Before organizing in 1853 this congregation met in homes. The following year services were hled in the New Oakwood schoolhouse and later in the Bosqueville College. In 1875, under the leadership of the Rev. W.T. Melgin, the first building was constructed on this site, which had been donated by Dr. Warren Wortham. The REv Mordecai Yell was among the outstanding circuit riders that served here. The present building was finished in 1911-12, under the Pastorate of the Rev. M.H. Bowden. In 1953 the educational facilities were added. (1978)

Bruceville Baptist Church – Location: Corner of Benton and Blume Steets, Bruceville

This church was organized as Salem Baptist Church about 1870-71 in the town of Mastersville. Early worship services were held in the home of the minister, and in an arbor. The church name was changed in 1884 to Mastersville Baptist Church. The congregation moved 2 miles south to the new railroad town of Bruceville. In 1896 a sanctuary was built that stood until 1975 when a new church building was erected in its place. The church supports many outreach programs in the U.S. and in foreign nations, and has served the community for more than 125 years. (1996)

Canaan Baptist Church -  Location:  Canaan Church Rd, Crawford

This Congregation traces its history to 1891 when Germans in the Prairie Chapel Community organized a Baptist Church congregation in a local schoolhouse on property owned by Heinrich Engleberecht. Forty people became charter members at the community meeting. Worship services were held in homes and in schoolhouse. In 1893 the Rev. Louis Vogt became the Church's first full time Pastor. The Rev. J.E. Sydow served as Pastor from 1898 to 1901. In 1894 the congregation built as sanctuary at this site on land owned by Engelbrecht; he later donated the land to the church. Additional space for Sunday school classes and a towner and steeple were added to the original structure in 1928. Throughout the early years, all worship services were conducted in the German Language. In 1933 members decided to have English Services were conducted in English. Instead of building a new church, members decided to remodel the existing structure in 1949. Many descendants of original church members worship here along with others in the community. (1992)

Central Christian Church – Location: 4901 Lakeshore Dr.; Waco

Eighteen members of the Disciples of Christ Denomination in Waco began worshiping together in homes as early as 1867. In 1870 they became charter members of a congregation organized under the leadership of the Rev. B.F. Hall, who came to Waco from Grayson County at the request of Phoebe Moore and Sallie Skidmore. The congregation held Baptism services in the Brazos River. A Sunday school was organized in 1874,and a church building was erected in 1875. The congregation continues to be active in Missionary and community programs. (1988)

Central Presbyterian Church – Location: 1226 Washington Ave; Waco

This church was established as Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Waco by 18 charter members in 1869. The Rev. William Dillard served as first pastor. Led by the Rev. D. C. Kinnard, the congregation built a 2-story brick sanctuary in 1873 which also housed the public school in Waco. A frame sanctuary was built here in 1903, and in 1906 the church was renamed Central Presbyterian Church. The congregation built a brick sanctuary with elaborate stained glass windows at this site in 1921-22. Central Presbyterian Chruch serves the community with a variety of programs. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995

Chalk Bluff Baptist Church – Location: 5993 FM 933; Waco (Chalk Bluff Road)

This congregation was established in 1870 as White Rock Baptist Church by members of the White Rock community who saw the need for a Baptist church in the vicinity. The church was accepted by the Waco Baptist Association in 1871, and the congregation met at the Union Grove School until 1878. By May of that year the group had erected its own structure. A motion to dissolve the church was made in 1907, then rescinded in 1908. Materials from the White Rock structure were used in the construction of a new church home at Chalk Bluff. The edifice was used until it burned in 1934 and a third building was erected. With more than 300 active members in 1999, the Chalk Bluff Baptist Church continues to serve the Waco area with programs of religious worship, missionary work, and community outreach. (1999)

Church of the Assumption – Location: 300 So. Harrison, West

This congregation originated as part of earlier church in Martinville (new tours). After the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad came through the area about 1890, church members in west received permission from the Bishop to erect their own sanctuary in1892. The Rev. John Geleissner served as first Pastor of the New Church. Masses were conducted in Latin, but the Czech language was also used in services. The original wooden building, destroyed by fire in March 1903, was replaced by a brick sanctuary that same year. It was replaced by a third structure in 1956. (1992)

Columbus Avenue Baptist Church – Location: 1300 Columbus Avenue; Waco

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 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. (1991)

Congregation Agudath Jacob- Location: 4928 Hillcrest Ave.; Waco

In 1870, Only fifty of Waco's 3,618 residents were Jewish. the Hebrew Benevolent Association and cemetery of Waco were incorporated in 1873. The association was Waco's earliest Jewish community organization. Its purpose was to support local Jewish settlers. In the early 1880s political unrest in many eastern european countries led to heavy migration to the United States. consequently. Waco's Jewish population grew rapidly. In 1886, fifteen Orthodox Jewish families brought Rabbi Samuel Levy to Waco. Two years later, in 1888, Agudath Jacob, Waco's first Orthodox Jewish congregation, received its charter. By that time the number of Jewish families in Waco had grown to one hundred. Worship services were conducted in a rented room over a grocery store until 1894, when the congregation erected a frame synagogue at 624 Columbus Avenue. In 1914 a new brick synagogue was erected at the site, and Agudath Jacob membership rose to fifty families. The congregation included a ladies auxiliary society and the Talmud Torah Religious School. In 1923, a hebrew institute was added to the Columbus Avenue facility. A new synagogue, which included a social hall and classrooms, was built in 1950 at 15th and Jefferson Streets. in 1966, the traditional orthodox congregation voted to ally itself with the conservative movement. The congregation erected a new synagogue on Hillcrest Drive in 1972, and in 1993 added a Hebrew school. Included among the congregation's longtime leaders are the Rev. Samuel Levy, who served for 62 years until his death in 1948; the Rev J. M. Rosenberg, who served as congregation secretary for 27 years, and Rabbi Charles Blumenthal, who served for 18 years. (1999)

Downsville Baptist Church – Location: FM 434 (8 miles So. Of Waco)

This congregation was organized on May 6, 1894, by Elder A.J. Moore and 19 members of the Robinson Baptist Church (3 miles NW). Later that year 39 year new members joined the congregation during a summer revival. A sanctuary and schoolhouse were erected here on land deeded by E.J. Webb, W.C. Crunk and Fannie M. Crunk in 1896. Over the years a number of church facilities, including a fellowship hall, town hall, and Sunday School, have been built at this site. The church shares its facilities and religious services with a number of communities in the area. (1995)

Eddy Methodist Church – Location: 107 and Ausborn, Eddy

In 1868 a congregation of Methodist living in the Bell and McLennan county region between Elm and Bull hide Creeks erected a simple sanctuary at the site of a nearby cedar log toll bridge. The Rev. James Peeler, a Waco district Methodist Circuit preacher, served the Cedar Bridge Church congregation in 1873. The community of Eddy, known as Marvin when first settled about 1880, moved toward the railroad tracks extended through this area by the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad in1882. That year a building known as Sage Chapel was relocated from local rancher Charles Dunning's Land to Eddy for use by the Methodist and Baptist Congregation. Eddy Methodist erected a new church building at this site in 1892. This sanctuary, built in 1912 through the efforts of the Rev. S.B. Knowles, is a good example of an Akron plan Church. It features elaborate German-made stained glass windows, a stamped metal ceiling, and Prairie School style influences such as overhanging eaves with brackets, a hipped roof, and tower. Bruceville and Eddy Methodist Churches merged to form the Bruceville-Eddy United Methodist Church in 1983. Renovation of the sanctuary in 1993 included placement of the Bruceville Church Bell in the Belfry. (1993)

First Baptist Church of Eddy – Location: Corner of Eagle and Washington St. Eddy

Organized as Sage Chapel in 1875,this congregation moved its one-room frame sanctuary two miles east to the New town of Eddy in 1882. The church building also served as a schoolhouse for the community, and the local Methodist congregation shared the facility until New Baptist Sanctuary was dedicated on April 28, 1912, after two previous structures were destroyed by fire. This church has grown with the city of Eddy and continues to serve the community. (1988)

First Baptist Church of Mart – Location: 601 Texas Ave; Mart

The Rev. Thomas D. Suttle (1840-1900) and 18 Baptists assembled on April 28, 1878, under a large Elm Tree at the present site of Mart City Cemetery (1 mi. SE). There they organized the first church in the town of Mart, originally named Willow Springs. Near the tree, the fellowship built a church, which also served as a schoolhouse. Burials in the adjacent cemetery began in 1880. During the pastorate of the Rev. B.F. Tatum (1853-1928), 1889-96 and 1899-1900, membership almost quadrupled. In 1893 the church moved to Navarro Avenue and in 1906 to the present location. (1977)

First Baptist Church of Mart – Location: In Mart Cemetery (SE Corner)

In Jan. 1878 local Baptists met at H. J.Breland's home to hear to Rev. C.C. Hardwick preach. Three months later, on April 28, 1878, eighteen Baptists gathered under a large Elm Tree at this site to organize the First Church in the Community of Willow Springs, later renamed Mart. The Rev. T.D. Suttle was the first pastor. Near the tree, the congregation built a frame church and established a burial ground, which became Mart City Cemetery. The church moved from this site in 1893. (1977)

First Baptist Church of McGregor – Location: Corner of 6^th and Jackson; McGregor

This congregation traces its origin to the establishment in 1858 of the Onion Creek Baptist Church (10 miles SW at present-day Eagle Springs, Coryell County). Members of the Onion Creek congregation later organized the Comanche Springs Baptists Church. The Rev.John McClain and the Rev. Martin Isbill and about 30 members of Comanche Springs Baptist Church established the First Baptist Church of McGregor in1884. The congregation erected its First Church building at this site in1886. In 1890 they joined the Waco Baptist Association which met in McGregor in 1895 and 1907. By 1911 Sunday School enrollment had grown to 280 pupils. Successful fund-raising activities begun by The Ladies Aid Society in 1908 resulted in the building of a new sanctuary in1914. In 1923 the church called its first full-time Pastor and in the early 1940s a parsonage was constructed. The church grew steadily and by 1960 membership in the congregation reached 642. A new brick parsonage was built in 1961 and in 1969 a new sanctuary was completed. First Baptist Church of McGregor has historically supported numerous local, state, national, and international Missionary activities and a number of community outreach programs and activities. (1995)

First Baptist Church of Moody – Location: 300 Avenue E; Moody

The First Baptist Church of Moody was organized in 1855 in the community of Perry (2 mi. N), with Elder S.G. O'Bryan serving as first Pastor. Another early Minister, the Rev. John McClain, had been present at the church's organization and served the congregation for many years. In 1883, two years after the Santa Fe Railroad bypassed the town of Perry, the Baptist church moved to this site in the new railroad town of moody. The church has ordained several Pastors from its membership and has contributed much to the heritage of the surrounding area. (1985)

First Baptist Church of Waco – Location: 5^th and Webster; Waco

Organized in 1851 by the Rev. Noah Byars and 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 replaced by a larger building. The present house 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.H. Carroll, Pastor form 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 Baptists churches in Waco owe their origins to former members of this congregation. (1981)

First Lutheran Church of Waco – Location: 1008 Jefferson St; Waco

This congregation was organized in 1884 to serve Waco's Norwegian population. Originally known as the Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Ebenezer Congregation, the church conducted worship services in Norwegian until 1916. In 1917,the name first Lutheran Church was adopted, and the frame building used by the congregation since 1884 was replaced with Gothic Revival structure. The building features Lancet windows and an asymmetrical facade. (1984)

First Presbyterian Church of Waco - Location: 1100 Austin Ave.; Waco

Congregation established in 1855, with 17 members and two ruling elders. This building was erected in 1912, after two earlier structures were outgrown. In 74 years, church had only two ministers: Dr. Samuel A. King, 1863-1903; Dr. Charles T. Caldwell, 1903-1937.  (1971)

First United Methodist of Hewitt – Location: 600 So. First St.; Hewitt

Methodist settlers in this area worshiped at Stanford Chapel, organized about 1875 eight miles west of Hewitt. Hewitt Baptists and Methodists formed a union Sunday school in town sometime before 1895. The Northwest Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church assigned the Rev. Stephen W. Turner to the newly formed Hewitt circuit in 1900 and the Hewitt Methodist Church was organized that year. Stanford Chapel disbanded in 1912; some of its members joined Hewitt Methodist Church. The Stanford Chapel tabernacle was moved to Hewitt in 1922 and used for summer revivals for several years. The Hewitt Methodist Church became a full station in 1953. Celebrating its centennial in the year 2000, the congregation counts among its members descendants of its founding families. (2000)

First United Methodist Church of Waco – Location: 4901 Cobbs St.; Waco

In 1850 the Rev. Joseph P. Sneed and 23 charter members founded this congregation, the First Baptists and the First Baptist and the First Presbyterian Churches. This fellowship worshiped at two other locations before moving to Fifth and Jackson Street in 1876. The Fifth Street congregation became First Methodist Church in1919. The members moved to the present site in 1963. (1978)

Harris Creek Baptist Church – Location: Hwy 84 and Harris Creek; McGregor area

Worship services of the Harris Creek Baptist Church were held for a time in the home of Aquilla and Delila Jones. In 1872 the couple gave this 1.6-acre site for construction of a church and schoolhouse and for a cemetery. In 1879 the fellowship joined Leon River Baptist Association and later Waco Baptist Association. 1928 after a period of growth a new sanctuary was erected during the pastorate of the Rev. Kermit Melugin. Methodist congregation shared the facility from 1932 until 1960. A new brick auditorium was dedicated in 1977. (1979)

Hewitt Baptist Church – Location: 301 So. First St.; Hewitt

This congregation was organized on November 4, 1894, by 20 local members of White Hall Baptist Church (5 mi. NW) with the help of White Hall Pastor J.B. Reaves, and the Rev. J.L. Ward and the Rev.J.W. Thomas. Hewitt Baptist joined the Waco Baptist Association and built a sanctuary here in 1895. The 1895 church building was destroyed in a 1924 storm and replaced with a larger facility. Due to steady growth in its membership new worship centers were built here in 1959 and in 1988. Hewitt Baptist Church sponsors a variety of ministries and continues its historic role in the community. (1994)

Lorena United Methodist Church – Location: Corner of Borden and Bettie St.; Lorena

This church was organized in 1881 under the Rev. E.R. Barcus as Pastor. The congregation met at first in the Baptist Church building. Trustees Herbert J. Hudson, A.J. Pool, and H.C. Williams bought the site and supervised the construction of the sanctuary in 1886. It owes its distinctive architecture to plans that came form the home church of trustee Hudson, a native of Cambridge, England. A very devout Methodist Layman, Hudson came to Lorena in 1877 and operated a store and private bank. Bishop A.W. Wilson dedicated the fine original church in 1886. Asphalt shingles have replaced the wooden roof; Louvers that attracted nesting birds have been removed from the tower; and there have been other alterations. Stained glass windows now enhance the structure. A classroom annex erected in 1922 was joined to the sanctuary by another unit in 1950. The later additions have been in the style adopted in 1886. The annex is open to many public gatherings, as the congregation takes an interest in the Civic life of Lorena. Besides the successive Pastors, leaders in the work of this church have included members of the Hath, Holvey, Hooper, Rucker, Staford and Stanford, and Stewart families. (1976)

Meier Settlement Methodist Church – Reisel

Founded in 1887 by members of the Methodist Congregation in nearby Perry, this church first was known as the Zion Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Construction of A Sanctuary began on March 5, 1887. With a membership made up of German Immigrants, the congregation conducted all worship services in German until 1922. The church building was used as a public schoolhouse for a time, with the Pastors serving as teachers. In 1915 the name was changed to Meier Settlement Methodist church. It continues to serve the community.

Moody United Methodist Church – Location: Corner of 6^th and Church St; Moody

This congregation grew from an 1855 union church organized in the pioneer settlement of Perry (2 mi. NE). When the Santa Fe Railroad was laid through central Texas in 1881, the town of Moody grew up along its tracks, and many of the residents of Perry moved to the new railroad town. The Rev. J.W. Tremble became the first part-time minister for the small group of Methodists who had come from the Perry Union Church. The first sanctuary was built on fourth street in 1884. The congregation has worshiped at this site since 1956. (1984)

New Hope Baptist Church – Location: 915 N. 6^th St.; Waco

In the years before 1865, some blacks in Waco worshiped at the city's First Baptist Church. In 1866 the congregation's pastor, Baylor University President Dr. Rufus Burleson with the Rev.S.G. O'Bryan and Dr. Richard Burleson, organized a black church with 18 members. It was named the New Hope Baptist Church by its first pastor, the Rev. Stephen Cobb. During its early years congregation held services in an old foundry, at the Howard institute, and in a building shared with a local Methodist Church. One of the oldest black Baptist churches in Waco, the congregation has met at this site since 1923. (1983)

Patton Baptist Church – Location: Hwy 317; North of Crawford (Old Patton Community)

The Walnut Grove Baptist Church of Christ was organized in 1872 a few miles south of this site. Richard Simpson gave land for a public school in 1878, and early worship services were thought to have been held in the school building. At a meeting in 1889 the name of the congregation was changed to Patton Baptist Church. Simpson gave land at this site for a church building in 1897. For many years the church has been the site of revivals, worship services, and family reunions. The congregation meets on a regular basis and continues to serve its community. (1988)

St James United Methodist Church – Location: 600 So. 2^nd; Waco

One of Waco's oldest churches, St. James Methodist Church was organized in 1874 by Father Anderson Brack (d. 1905). From the first worship services, conducted in a house near the Brazos river that served as a school for the black community, the congregation built several sanctuaries before completing work on this building in 1924. Designed in a modified Gothic Revival style, it features decorative brickwork, pointed arch windows, an octagonal towers. For over a century the congregation of St. James has been active in Missionary work, community service education. (1986)

St John United Church of Christ – Location: Shamrock Dr and Hwy 77; Robinson

German native Herman Staas, who settled her in 1882, was instrumental in persuading other Germans to migrate to the Robinson area. In 1884 the pioneers established this congregation under the leadership of the Rev. Christian Schaer of Waco. Services were held in homes and in the Presbyterian Sanctuary until the first building was completed in 1890. The first resident Pastor here was the Rev. John Strauss, who served from 1900 to 1940. Although the last German service was conducted in 1959, the church continues to reflect the ideals and traditions of its founders. (1983)

St Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church – Location: Church and Taylor St.; Waco

According to oral tradition, this congregation began in 1886 as an evening Sunday school that met on Elm Street. The Rev. Charlie Gipson served as first pastor. A church building was constructed in 1906, during the pastorate of the Rev. L.M. Holmes, and the congregation has worshiped at the current site since about 1920. Early Pastor E.J. Howard was elected Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1936. Over the years, St. Luke A.M.E. church has provided a significant source of service and leadership to Waco's black community. (1986)

St Paul’s Church of Gerald – Location: Off Hwy 308; Gerald

German Farmers began settling in this region in the late 1880s. For many years, they worshiped in the schoolhouse. Gerald Post Office was opened in 1888. The town had a blacksmith shop, general store, drugstore, and cotton gin by 1900. In that year 16 men organized St. Paul's Evangelical Congregation. Chris Schuetz provided two acres in 1903 for a church that stood on this site until 1937, when the present structure was built. As the international Great Northern Railroad Bypass Gerald in 1901, a decline soon began. This church still serves a large rural area and marks the former town site. (1979)

(Former Site) St. Peter’s Church – Location: Cemetery Rd (1.5 Mi W. of Main St); West

Before a congregation was officially organized in 1884, a meetinghouse was built on this land owned by Jacob Closner. Under the Rev. Christian Schaer in September, 1887, eight German families started St. Peter's Church, Evangelical. Soon Closner deeded these ten acres for use as a church and burial ground. In 1949 a new structure was completed. St. Peter's joined the First Presbyterian Church of West in 1966 forming the First United Church. The building at this location was sold in 1977 and the property retained for use as a cemetery. (1979)

Second Baptist Church – Location: 1205 M.L. Cooper Dr.; Waco

On December 7, 1879, twenty-one members of the New Hope Baptist Church, located on the north side of Waco, organized this congregation to serve the needs of the black community in the southern part of town. Originally known as the Second Colored Baptist Church, the fellowship was begun during the last days of Reconstruction when many blacks were leaving former slave states for other parts of the country. Worship services were held in a one-room building on Canal Street until 1882, when the congregation moved to property on First Street. Financial hardships and a 1922 fire that destroyed the sanctuary plagued the members of Second Baptist Church after they relocated to South Second Street (later named M.L. Cooper Drive) in 1896. Despite such setbacks, the congregation continued to grow and was able to provide for the spiritual needs of the community. Throughout its history the church has supported outreach and missionary programs. A member of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas and the National Baptist Convention of America, Second Baptist Church has served as a focal point for Waco's black community for more than 100 years. (1983)

Seventh & James Baptist Church – Location: 602 James Ave; Waco

On June 26, 1898, a group of Waco Baptist formed a new congregation called Third Street Baptist Church. The Rev. William D. Bowen became their pastor in July 1898. Bowen gave the opening sermon in the church's first building in June 1899. In 1903 the congregation relocated to this site and became known as Seventh and James Baptist Church. A larger building was erected in 1906; facilities were altered as needed. The church claims a global extended family of Baylor University students, and many of its church pastors have served as professors of religion at Baylor. Seventh and James Baptist Church continues to uphold the traditions of its founders. (1998)

Shiloh Baptist Church – Location: FM 185 and Shiloh Church Road; Crawford

On May 17, 1884, five people gathered in Bellview Schoolhouse to organize Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. The congregation initially met only once a month, with meetings lasting two or three days. Most of the early pastoral leadership came from among the membership. The church has always been located along Hog Creek, meeting for a time in a brush arbor at Blue Hole. Many baptisms were held in the creek. The congregation took its present name in 1890 and moved to this location in 1892. The Sunday school program was started that year. (1984)

Speegleville Baptist Church – 429 Speegle Rd; Speegleville

Founded in the home of early settler and community namesake Israel Washington Speegle, this historic congregation formally organized in 1850 as Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. It was renamed Speegleville Baptist Church after the members joined with Greenwood Baptist Church in 1883. Part-time pastors and dedicated lay members have led the congregation throughout its history. Sunday School, a summer revival with baptisms in Speegleville Creek, music, worships and community outreach are counted among the ministries and programs of the Speegleville church. The congregation has relocated over the years to accommodate the building and enlargement of Lake Waco. (2001)

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church – Off 933; go ½ mi on FM 1858, then Wesley Chapel Rd; Gholson

In 1873, during the height of the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War, Methodist families in the vicinity of Gholson met to organize a church. Services were first held in log schoolhouse near the cemetery. After it burned, members met in the new schoolhouse until a sanctuary was completed on this site in 1891. The land, located one mile north of the schoolhouse where the church began, was donated by Frank and Lucy Sparks. A focal point of Gholson since 1873, Wesley Chapel continues to reflect the goals and ideals of its founders. (1988)

West Brethren Church – Location: 901 N. Marable; West

Czech immigrants began settling in this area of McLennan County about 1875. Early families included those of Josef Masek and John Foit. They attended St. Peter's Evangelical Church, founded and attended by German settlers, until the Rev. Henry Juren began conducting services in the Czech Moravian Brethren tradition. At his first service in 1888, the Rev. Mr. Juren baptized infant H. E. Beseda, who later became a minister himself. The Rev. Adolph Chlumsky formally organized the West Brethren Church in June 1892. He traveled from his farm in Brenham by railroad about six times a year to conduct services. A choir was active from the congregation's early days, as were the youth of the church. The Krestanske Sestry (Christian Sisters) was organized in 1893 with 26 members. In 1894, church trustees bought three acres east of town and built a church for one thousand dollars and donated labor. The building was dedicated in 1896. There were about fifty communicants by the turn of the 20th century. Among them were families named Adam, Barton, Beseda, Foit, Hegar, Janek, Kudelka and Svacek. The Mutual Aid Society of the Brethren Church organized in 1905. Mrs. Anna Urbanovsky donated a tract of land for a cemetery in 1908. The church building was severely damaged in a 1919 windstorm. It was replaced in 1920 and served until July 1956, when it was replaced by a modern brick facility with sanctuary seating 220, a large fellowship hall and ten classrooms. A part of the community for more than a century, West Brethren Church continues to offer a variety of worship and educational programs. (2000)

Youngblood Memorial Presbyterian Church – Location: 200 Old Robinson Rd; Robinson

(Robinsonville Presbyterian Church) Established in 1874, this was the second church in Robinsonville (later Robinson). The Rev. Samuel King and 21 other former members of the First Presbyterian Church of Waco organized the Robinsonville Presbyterian Church on December 4. The Rev. Mr. King served until August 1876. Twenty-five members joined in five days that year. By late 1877, the congregation had 71 members. They met in the local schoolhouse until a building was erected in 1878. Membership declined in the 20th century; by 1942, the membership was again twenty-one. The Sunday School reorganized in 1946. Two community benefactors gave the funding for a new building in 1956 in honor of their mothers, Maude (Edwards) Britain and Emma (Mote) Youngblood. It was renamed Youngblood Memorial that year. The congregation continues in the traditions of its founders. (1999)

Zion Lutheran Church – Location: 503 So. Tyler; McGregor

Many of the people responsible for the establishment of this Lutheran congregation were German immigrants who entered Texas primarily through the Port of Galveston and migrated to the rich farmland of Central Texas. As early as 1890, families began meeting informally in homes for worship services conducted in the German language. In 1892, the growing congregation built and dedicated the Evangelical Lutheran Zion’s Church southeast of McGregor. By 1921, the congregation had outgrown the facility and hired a San Antonio architect to design a larger church building at this site. The new Gothic-influenced church was completed and dedicated in 1922. By 1946, the congregation discontinued German language worship services. In 1947, the church's name was changed to Zion’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, though it is commonly known as Zion Lutheran Church. Zion Lutheran Church has served as a place of cultural as well as spiritual renewal for the community throughout its history, and has focused its efforts on helping to establish mission congregations. (1992)

Zion United Church of Christ – Location: 6347 S. IH 35; Waco

First mission congregation of the Evangelical Church in Texas. Initial services were held for German-speaking people of Waco by The Rev. Friederich Werning (1843-1931) in Presbyterian Church. Frame structure built on this site in 1882 was replaced in 1914 (for $10,000) by present church. Use of German ceased in 1931 when members were using English in homes. The denominational affiliation of congregation has been determined by mergers in which Evangelical and Reformed Church and, later, the United Church of Christ were created. (1972)