The First Baptist Church of Taylor, Tx

PASTOR ANTHONY L. WATSON SR.

OUR VISION STATEMENT: To make an impact on the lives of the souls that are lost. Creating ministries that allow people to be involved in working out their soul salvation with fear and trembling.


MOTTO: Going in to learn: going out to serve.
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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES & TIMES

SUNDAY:

NEW MEMBERS ORIENTATION 9:00 AM

SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:15 AM

MORNING WORSHIP 10:45 AM


TUESDAY:

SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH - 7:00 PM WOMEN OF THE BIBLE STUDY

7 PM WOMEN OF ZION MINISTRY

7 PM BROTHERHOOD MINISTRY

8 PM MALE CHORUS MINISTRY


WEDNESDAY:

4 PM CRUSADERS FOR JESUS MINISTRY

7 PM PRAYER MEETING AND BIBLE STUDY


THURSDAY:

7 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL


SATURDAY:

SECOND AND THIRD SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH

10 AM - 11 AM YOUTH CHOIR REHEARSAL

11 AM - 12 AM PRAISE DANCE REHEARSAL

12 PM - 12:30 PM YOUTH USHER TRAINING

12:30 PM - 1 PM BREAK

1 PM - 2 PM DRILL/STEP TEAM REHEARSAL


7 PM SECOND SATURDAY EACH MONTH DEACON AND TRUSTEES MEETING


6 PM SECOND SATURDAY EACH MONTH MINISTERS AND DEACON WIVES MEETING

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HISTORY

The First Baptist Church of Taylor Texas is the oldest African American Baptist Church with an original structure in the city of Taylor. In fact, it is the catalyst for the creation of the other black churches in the city; The Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Although a wealth of historical information have been lost over the years, the basic account of the church's saga have lived on through oral testament, personal memories and a few rare documents.


In 1883, the church as we know today made it's humble beginning. A dedicated young black Evangelist by the name of Dr. I. Benjamin Toliver pitched a tent in a grassy field across the street from the church building today located at 300 North Robinson St. The purpose was to share the word of God with a multitude of migrant workers and townsfolk. In 1884 a temporary building was erected across the street from where the tent was pitched.


One of the first Deacons of the church was William "Bill" Pickett, the legendary black rodeo bulldogger now known as steer wrestling and the first black cowboy movie star. The church was officially deeded the land in 1886.for the purchase price of $100.00, and Dr. Toliver and a handful of Christ followers officially organized and formed the Mt. Aria Baptist Church. On Sept. 17, 1886 construction began on a permenant home for the congregation and was completed and dedicated in 1904.


Rev A.L. Boone was the first Pastor. He went on to become secretary of the National Baptist Convention. Many illustrious Pastors served in the intervening years; Rev. S.C. Smith, Rev. Benford, Rev. L.W. Mackey, Rev. Simmons, Rev. Moss, Rev. A.L. Weaver, Rev. B. Sweeney, and Rev. Waters. Next was Rev. Ruffin who affiliated the church with the LaGrange District Association in which he became moderator. The La Grange District Association is still in existence today and First Baptist Church still remains a member today. Other Pastors include Rev. Hennigan, Rev. P.H. Jackson, Rev. McPhearson, Rev. Green, Rev. Bradley and Rev. Leonard.


During the great depression the church was in need of repair. Rev Sandle was the pastor at the time who started a build fund to repair the church. But before the work could get underway he met his untimely death in a fatal car-train accident in 1939. At the beginning of the 1940's Rev L.E. Brown was called to pastor the church. Under his tenure the church was completely remodeled with the addition of a garage and educational annex. The name was changed from Mt. Aria to First Baptist church. This was truly the beginning of a new era.The roof over the church today was part of the renovation that begin in 1941. The original roof from 1886 still stand within the construction of the 1941 roof. The four sturdy pillars that support the original roof still stand in the sanctuary. The church still retain the church bell that use to hang in the steeple of the original 1886 church.


The roll call of Pastors progressed during the years to include Rev Bailey, Rev Sam Mitchell, Rev N.W. Bacon,and Rev C.M.Majors. In 1965 Rev T. L. Rivers became Pastor of the Church. Rev Rivers initiated an extensive remodeling, improvement and modernization project. In 1983 the church celebrated it 100th year anniversary.In September 1989 Rev Rivers became seriously ill and died. Rev Rivers was Pastor of the church for 24 years making him the longest tenure Pastor of the church


Rev. T.L. Garner a former deacon of the church, was call to Pastor in 1990. Perhaps the biggest highlight of Rev. Garner pastorship was in July 1997, he presided over the burning of the mortgage of the church building. Soon after this joyful occasion, he became increasingly ill and died Nov. 21, 1997 Once again the church was left void of a pastor.


In May 1998 Pastor Anthony L. Watson was called as the 26th Pastor of First Baptist Church. The church has experienced much progress under the leadership of Pastor Watson. The land across the street from the church was purchased for use of parking and recreation. The original wood flooring from the 1886 church was refinished. In April 2003, the church filed a certificate of ownership for unincorporated business to incorporate the assume name of The First Baptist Church. The church actively participate in fellowship with other churches in the local community. Pastor Watson was actively involved in combining vacation Bible school for the entire community. The church along with the city of Taylor has sponsored an annual Martin Luther King Jr. march and tribute program. As the church family moves ahead, they look forward to more physical and spiritual growth.