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.
First Baptist Church
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First Baptist Church is a historical marker in Taylor, Williamson County, dedicated in 2012. It is one of 241 historical markers documented in Williamson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 448 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.5704, -97.4025 near Taylor. The nearest cataloged historic site is Dr. James Lee Dickey (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Taylor City Cemetery, Bill Pickett, and Eikel-Prewitt Building.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507017362. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
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