First Baptist Church of Waco - Waco (TX)

5 /5 April Sus: Beautiful church. I attended a preaching conference here. Everyone was friendly.

5 /5 Kevin Wang: Gorgeous Baptist church in Waco downtown area

5 /5 Kat: Just a gorgeous historical church building. I think it is Southern Baptist affiliated. Covid has everything weird so we arrived for Sunday School and had trouble finding the open door and anyone to direct us, but we asked someone and everyone was nice and welcoming. Sunday school teacher was knowledgeable, and lesson was from a Sunday school manual. My daughter had a grad/young professional class that I appreciated. It was Palm Sunday, so some special music and presentation by the children. Sermon was fine. Music was good. I appreciated the more traditional feel, even when they sang a contemporary song. There were drums and electric instruments, but it wasnt "rock-y". Organ is impressive. Dress was mix of "Sunday best" (that Im used to), business casual (ladies in slacks), and casual. Awkward that some choir and orchestra members were dressed down. Colorful converse high tops on stage is not a good look. It looked more like a rehearsal than a special performance. Not trying to be judgemental but if you went to a symphony or any high school music performance, there is a dress standard. Small congregation for a large church, but again...covid. masking and social distancing was practiced for those who car. Parking was easy.

1 /5 b b: New to Waco out each Wednesday/Sundays trying to find church home. Tried to visit Waco First Baptist for Wednesday service as they list on their website. Mid-week Bible study 6 to 7pm in fellowship hall. after arriving on campus, found the signs showing where each building was located. Found the direction to fellowship hall and ended up walking down a breeze way. Got to the doors, they were locked and no one in sight. backed tracked and was able to find another walk around to a different set of doors---locked. Other doors were labeled exit only--alarm will sound. most doors had some key card/number entry to get in. No one walking on campus to welcome anyone. No sign or directions on how to get into the building so missed bible study. wanted to try A Sunday service but idk if i will make the effort. . Might not be able to get in. seems to me First Waco...if you have bible studies or other activities listed on your website and your say when and where but a person shows up and they cant get --might need to reconsider that.

4 /5 Bruce K.: A beautiful Baptist church in downtown Waco, the congregation here dates back to when the church was organized in 1851. There is a historical marker in front. It reads, "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." It is marker number 1681 and it was erected in 1981 by the Texas Historical Commission.