Churches in and near the University / Baylor Neighborhood, Waco, TX¶

The University neighborhood has one of the densest concentrations of churches in Waco, reflecting both Baylor University's Baptist heritage and the city's deeply religious character. Many congregations have served the neighborhood for over a century; several have historic ties to Baylor's founding denomination. Baylor's Spiritual Life office maintains an affiliated church list for students.

Baptist¶

Seventh & James Baptist Church¶

Address: 602 James Ave, Waco, TX 76706 (directly adjacent to Baylor campus)
Website: seventhandjames.org
Notes: A 127-year-old congregation at this site; historically many pastors have been Baylor University religion and theology professors. Long one of the most intellectually active Baptist congregations in Texas. Major development note: The church's 2.4-acre parcel has been approved for a $59M, 6-story, 265-unit/630-bed student housing complex (groundbreaking April 2026, completion August 2028). The church will relocate to a new, smaller building on the same block; the existing 1950s sanctuary will be demolished. The congregation continues to operate actively through this transition.

Primera Baptist Church¶

Address: Waco, TX 76706
Notes: A historic Texas Baptist congregation with roots in the early 1900s; long-established presence in the university neighborhood.

Park Lake Drive Baptist Church¶

Address: Park Lake Dr, Waco, TX
Notes: Multi-generational, multi-ethnic congregation serving the neighborhood and surrounding community.

Highland Baptist Church¶

Address: 2924 Trice Ave, Waco, TX
Website: hbcwaco.org
Notes: A progressive Baptist congregation with a Life Center campus. Active in community engagement and social justice ministry. Well-known beyond the immediate neighborhood for its inclusive theology.

Catholic¶

St. Peter Catholic Student Center¶

Address: Near Baylor campus, Waco, TX 76706
Notes: The primary Catholic campus ministry serving Baylor University students. Offers Mass, sacraments, and student community programming. Affiliated with the Diocese of Austin.

Lutheran¶

St. Mark Lutheran Church¶

Address: University neighborhood, Waco, TX
Notes: A historic Lutheran congregation within the University neighborhood boundaries. Serves both the student population and long-established Lutheran families in the area.

Non-Denominational¶

Church Under the Bridge¶

Address: Under I-35 bridge, Waco, TX
Website: churchunderthebridge.org
Notes: One of Waco's most distinctive and well-known ministries. Meets each Sunday under the I-35 bridge, serving Waco's homeless population and all who come regardless of background. Founded by Jimmy Dorrell; widely featured in national media as a model for urban outreach. Adjacent to the neighborhood's eastern boundary.

Episcopal¶

St. Paul's Episcopal Church¶

Address: Waco, TX
Notes: The Episcopal congregation closest to the University neighborhood; serves both long-established Waco Episcopalians and students.

Methodist / Presbyterian¶

The University neighborhood is within walking or short driving distance of multiple Methodist and Presbyterian congregations in the greater Waco area. Baylor's Spiritual Life office maintains a current, comprehensive list of affiliated congregations across all denominations — available at baylor.edu/spiritual_life.

Baylor University Spiritual Life¶

Baylor's faith programming is deeply integrated into neighborhood life:

Pat Neff Hall / Truett Seminary: Baylor's spiritual hub and graduate theology program; shapes much of the intellectual and theological life in the neighborhood.
Affiliated Churches List: Baylor Spiritual Life maintains a list of recommended local congregations across Baptist, Catholic, Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, and other denominations for students, faculty, and staff.
Baylor Missions & Service: Student-led mission teams and service organizations partner with neighborhood churches for community engagement.
Chapel Services: Weekly chapel held in Waco Hall (capacity 2,500); open to the public.

Sources: Baylor University Spiritual Life (baylor.edu/spiritual_life), City of Waco Neighborhood Directory, Seventh & James Baptist Church (seventhandjames.org), Highland Baptist Church (hbcwaco.org), Church Under the Bridge (churchunderthebridge.org), KWTX, Baylor Lariat.