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Churches in Downtown Waco

Downtown Waco (ZIP 76701) is home to several of Waco's oldest and most historically significant congregations, many founded in the mid-1800s.

Historic Mainline Congregations

Name Denomination Address Notes
First Baptist Church of Waco Southern Baptist 500 Webster Ave., 76701 Organized 1851; current sanctuary built 1907; one of the oldest congregations in Waco
First Methodist Church of Waco — Downtown Campus United Methodist 1300 Austin Ave., 76701 Congregation founded 1850 — oldest in McLennan County; separated from its suburban campus (4901 Cobbs Dr.) as an independent church August 31, 2025; originally met at Second and Jackson; settled at Fifth and Jackson 1876–1963
First Presbyterian Church of Waco Presbyterian (PCUSA) 1100 Austin Ave., 76701 Congregation established 1855; current building erected 1912

Catholic

Name Denomination Address Notes
St. Francis on the Brazos Roman Catholic (Franciscan) Downtown Waco Founded 1924; dedicated November 26, 1931; marks return of Franciscan missionaries to Central Texas
Sacred Heart Catholic Church Roman Catholic 2621 Bagby Ave., 76711 Located in the Kendrick neighborhood (not downtown); listed here for historical context — the Academy of the Sacred Heart operated in downtown Waco 1874–1946. Strong Hispanic congregation; bilingual Masses.

Historic African American Congregations

Name Denomination Address Notes
Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Southern Baptist 1300 Columbus Ave., 76701 Historic African-American congregation in near-downtown Waco

Contemporary / Non-Denominational

Name Denomination Address Notes
Acts Church Baptist / Evangelical 300 S. 13th St., 76701 Active congregation; Lead Pastor David Booker
Mosaic Waco Non-denominational 1226 Washington Ave., 76701 Contemporary multi-ethnic congregation
High Point Church Non-denominational 724 Austin Ave., 76701 Meets at The Hippodrome theater building
Glory Bell Church Christian 218 N. 6th St., 76701 Downtown congregation

Near-Downtown (Adjacent ZIP)

Name Denomination Address Notes
Antioch Community Church Non-denominational / Evangelical 510 N. 20th St., 76707 Congregation of 3,000+; internationally known for church-planting mission; one of Waco's largest congregations

Additional denominations with historical presence in the 76701 corridor include Lutheran, Pentecostal, Assembly of God, and various independent evangelical congregations.

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