Didn’t Texas Baptist history begin with defiance? It did. Two ardent Baptist evangelists entered Texas in the 1820s. Their names were Freeman Smalley and Joseph Bays. They defied the Mexican Government’s ban on Protestantism.
Here stands Central Baptist Church. It is a testament to faith and community. The early days of Baptist life in Texas were marked by such bold actions. The Mexican Government couldn’t enforce its ban. There were few priests and many settlers. The ban was lifted in 1834.
Before Texas Independence isolated preachers came from the United States. The first Baptist church was founded in 1834 near Bastrop. The evangelization of Texas was foremost in the Baptist movement. James Huckins was appointed as the first official Baptist missionary in the 1840s. Z. N. Morrell was active and widely known. He was one of the pioneer Baptist preachers.
In 1846 Polk County was formed by the first state legislature. American settlers rapidly filled the county from 1836 to 1860. Baptist work progressed slowly in Texas until the mid-1840s.
In 1846 Moses Choate offered 100 acres in Springfield. This was if the town would be named as the County Seat and re-named Livingston. The voters approved. Livingston was a small community. Most of the county population lived in agricultural areas.
The Methodists built the first church building in Livingston. This was sometime between 1849 and October 27 1859. Polk County conveyed the property to the church trustees as a gift. It was to be used as a Sunday school and church. The Methodists shared their building. They shared with the Baptists and the Presbyterians. Worship services were led alternately. This brought the community together every Sunday. The Baptists conducted Sabbath School on Sunday afternoons. Early church was segregated. Men were on one side. Women and children were on the other. Baptisms were held in nearby Choates Creek.
The first written record of the Baptist church in Livingston is a new minute book. It started in 1900. The old book was lost. The history of the first forty-eight years had to be gathered from records. It also came from a few newspaper clippings. Consequently the history omits names of the Christians. They were responsible for Baptist work in Livingston.
Ariel Baptist Church Livingston was organized about 1852. It is believed that Rev. Creath served as pastor. He served the first few years. This was prior to the coming of E. Vining about 1854. The significance of the name “Ariel” is unknown. In 1855 Ariel Church petitioned the Bethlehem Association for membership. Other Polk County Churches that petitioned for membership were Bethel Greenville Moscow and Antioch. Elder E Vining was the first moderator. He remained as such until his death in 1856.
Sometime after the Civil War the church’s name changed. It changed from “Ariel” to “Livingston”. After more than thirty years of sharing a building Livingston Baptist Church purchased city block #41. This was in August of 1887. B. J. Martin A. C. Watts and Pony Bean erected a wooden structure. The Baptists met in the Presbyterian Church until the building was completed. It was completed early in 1888.
At the beginning of the twentieth century John T. Mare was pastor. The church purchased hymnals in 1900. Members voted to have services every Sunday.
The church voted to change the name. The name changed from “Livingston Baptist” to “Central Baptist Church” on March 13 1917.
Completed in 1926 the new church auditorium was English-style architecture. It cost $32000. The auditorium was used until 2009. That is when the new worship center was completed.
During World War II many men of Central Baptist served in the armed forces. An honor roll was placed on the auditorium wall.
Central Baptist Church has played a very large part in the life of Livingston. Beginning with a membership of less than twenty it has become a growing church. It has facilities for a thousand people. Its Christian influence on the community cannot be estimated. The church has provided a place of worship and prayer. It offers comfort and joy. It emphasizes Bible study training fellowship and community support. Central Baptist contributes toward its support.