First Baptist Church
Taylor, Williamson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1883, young black evangelist Dr. L. 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 by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The congregation began in 1883 when the young Black evangelist L. Benjamin Toliver held a tent revival on this Taylor site, organizing Mt. Aria Baptist Church three years later and completing its sanctuary in 1904. Two of its early pastors rose to national leadership in the National Baptist Convention, and its deacons included the legendary rodeo bulldogger Bill Pickett. A 1940 remodeling brought the name change to First Baptist Church.
Why it matters
This congregation's reach — from national Baptist leaders to a pioneering Black rodeo star — shows how African American churches nurtured leadership that shaped communities far beyond their pews.
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Related people
- · L. Benjamin Toliver
- · Bill Pickett
- · L. K. Williams
Themes & tags
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