How about a place where faith and community intertwine? Right here stands the First Baptist Church of Patton Lakes. It is a beacon of hope in Houston. The First Baptist Church of Patton Lakes is more than just a building. It’s a family.
Let’s step back in time and explore the rich history of the Baptist Church in Texas. Although the Catholic Church was the established religion of Texas until 1834, Baptist preachers were already active. Joseph L Bays preached regularly in Texas as early as 1820.
Religious freedom came to Texas settlers in 1834. The first Baptist church in Texas was organized in Illinois in July 1833. It moved to Texas in January 1834. It was called the Pilgrim Church of Predestinarian Regular Baptists. Daniel Parker led it.
Providence Church was the first Baptist congregation actually formed in Texas. It was founded in March 1834 south of Bastrop. Zachariah N Morrell was a major figure among early Texas Baptists. He led the forming of another congregation in November 1837 at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
Early congregations faced bitter controversy. It stemmed from the divergent views of Parker and Morrell. Parker opposed organized mission societies and Sunday schools. Morrell applauded the cooperative ventures.
Texas Baptists have always been intensely evangelistic. They began proselytizing in German communities in the 1840s. Rufus C Burleson influenced J Frank Kiefer. Kiefer made headway among the Germans in the 1860s.
Baptist educational institutions have been important. William Milton Tryon and Robert E B Baylor convinced the republic to charter Baylor University in 1845. By 1860, Baptists operated at least a dozen colleges.
Robert Cooke Buckner opened the Buckner Orphans Home in Dallas in 1879. Baptists built a hospital in Dallas that opened in March 1904. Baptists in Houston established another in September 1907.
Texas Baptists mirrored their environment on social issues. Most Texas Baptists supported slavery and secession. Black churchgoers withdrew en masse from White-controlled congregations after the Civil War. The first Black Baptist church in Texas was organized at Galveston in 1865.
Baptists enthusiastically endorsed the Anti-Saloon League. Involvement in the prohibition crusade led to broader social awareness. The Baptist General Convention of Texas formed the Social Service Committee in 1915.
By 1906, the Baptist Church had become the largest church in Texas. Today, Baptists continue their numerical lead in the state. The First Baptist Church of Patton Lakes stands as a testament to this enduring faith.
Here at the First Baptist Church of Patton Lakes every life matters. The church embraces every race and ethnicity. They model heaven.
The church believes in the dignity of all men and women. They are regardless of their race, nationality or ethnicity.
The First Baptist Church of Patton Lakes is a beacon of hope. It is in a world that needs it more than ever. Remember the stories. Remember the faith. Carry the spirit with you always.