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Churches in East Waco

East Waco has one of the highest concentrations of historically Black churches in the Waco area. These congregations have served as the civic, spiritual, and social backbone of the community for more than 150 years — through segregation, urban renewal, and ongoing challenges. Several hold Texas State Historical Markers or National Register designations.

Founded Pre-1900 (Historic Congregations)

New Hope Baptist Church - Address: 915 N. 6th Street (corner of 6th and Marlborough), Waco, TX 76707 - Denomination: Baptist - Founded: June 10, 1866 - Significance: One of the oldest African-American congregations in Texas. Organized from 18 Black members of First Baptist Church with support of Baylor president Rufus Burleson. Known historically as a "silk-stocking church" drawing Black professionals. Current building constructed 1923. Texas State Historical Marker (November 6, 1983). - Notable alumni: Opera star Jules Bledsoe; mathematician Dr. Vivienne Malone-Mayes - By 1905 had a renowned 40-voice trained choir

St. James United Methodist Church (historic building now "2nd & Clay") - Address: Corner of 2nd Street and Clay Ave, Waco, TX 76704 - Denomination: United Methodist (formerly Methodist Episcopal) - Founded: 1874 by Rev. Anderson Brack, formerly enslaved - Significance: Grew to 532 members. Railroad seized original land via eminent domain (1922); congregation built current Late Gothic/Tudor Revival building at 2nd and Clay (designed by Carleton Adams of San Antonio firm Adams and Adams). City of Waco Historic Landmark (2017); National Register of Historic Places (September 12, 2019) — Waco's only historic religious structure on the NRHP and McLennan County's only NR site directly related to Black history. The congregation later relocated; the building is being converted to a restaurant/event space.

Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church - Address: 1402 Elm Ave, Waco, TX 76704 - Denomination: Missionary Baptist - Founded: July 1895 by Rev. I. Toliver in East Waco - Significance: Congregation purchased 4+ acres in East Waco (1896); new sanctuary erected 1917. By the early 1940s had over 1,100 members. Texas State Historical Marker. - Website: toliverchapelwaco.com

Founded 1900–1920

Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church - Denomination: Baptist - Founded: 1915 as "Oak Street Baptist Church" by Rev. J.S.A. Trowser with 11 members at 117 Oak Street. Renamed Ebenezer Baptist Church (1924) when it relocated to Dutton Street. - Significance: Original wood-frame building (1924); renovated 1940; brick exterior added 1969; modern facility later constructed. Centennial celebrated summer 2015. Current pastor: Rev. Kerry Burkley (Truett Seminary graduate). Active with Waco Children's Advocacy Center.

Wesley United Methodist Church - Address: 125 Turner Street, Waco, TX 76704 - Denomination: United Methodist - Founded: 1902 as the East Side Mission by Rev. B.J. Goff - Significance: Initially met in a storefront and county school building; established Jones Chapel on Paul Quinn Street (1911); moved to current Turner Street location 1961. Texas State Historical Marker.

Metropolitan Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church - Denomination: African Methodist Episcopal Zion - Significance: Holds a Texas State Historical Marker, indicating significant age and community standing in East Waco

Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church - Address: 2625 S. 18th St, Waco, TX 76706 - Denomination: Missionary Baptist - Founded: 1915 as "Little Zion Baptist Church" by Sam Slaughter and Mrs. Ruffins; initially met in the home of Bro. William "Pink" Simmons at 1915 S. 22nd St. Has relocated 7 times. Current facility dedicated June 1985. Over 100 years of continuous history. - Website: greaterzionwaco.org

Additional Congregations in ZIP 76704

Name Address Denomination
Carver Park Baptist Church 1020 E. Herring Ave, 76704 Baptist
Rising Star Baptist Church 1408 E. Waco Dr, 76704 Baptist
Rose of Sharon Baptist Church 921 Cherry St, 76704 Baptist
Spring Street Baptist Church 1119 Spring St, 76704 Baptist
Hood Street Church of Christ 228 Hood St, 76704 Church of Christ

Note: East Waco contains many additional small congregations, particularly along Elm Avenue and interior residential streets, that do not maintain significant public web presence. For a more complete list, contact the Waco Regional Baptist Association (wacobaptists.org) or Central Texas Conference UMC (ctcumc.org). The Waco History Project's "Houses of Worship" tour documents 36 stories.

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