Seventh & James Baptist Church
Waco, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
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)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A group of Waco Baptists formed the Third Street Baptist Church in the summer of 1898 under the Rev. William Bowen, dedicating their first building a year later. Relocating in 1903, they took the name Seventh and James Baptist Church and soon built a larger sanctuary. Its close ties to Baylor University — drawing students and religion professors alike — have long given the congregation a scholarly character.
Why it matters
Churches woven into a university's life reveal how faith and higher education grew up together in Texas towns like Waco.
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Related people
- · William D. Bowen
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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George W. Carroll Science Hall
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William McKendree Lambdin
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