Long story short
Members have now gathered on its grounds for 175 years, and a Sunday service—which featured former pastors, local leaders, and Austin-based composer and pianist Joseph Martin—highlighted that impact over the decades.
“First Baptist has considered it an extreme privilege, joy and honor to minister to our community for the past 175 years,” Pastor Joshua Hebert said in a statement.
G.G. Baggerly founded First Baptist Church on Aug. 3, 1850.
“From its beginning, the First Baptist Church of Bastrop was organized to support local, state and foreign missionary endeavors,” Hebert said. “In its early years, the church shared pastors with the First Baptist Church of Austin, including Baggerly and the legendary R. H. Taliaferro.”
First Baptist Church of Bastrop has grown from an initial eleven charter members to more than 230 members today, Hebert said.
What leaders say
During the Aug. 3 service, representatives from Southern Baptists of Texas Convention—a network of more than 2,800 churches—also congratulated First Baptist Church of Bastrop.
“I’m so grateful that you have stood firm on the Word of God and you have made disciples and reached your community,” Nathan Lorick, the executive director of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, told First Baptist Church of Bastrop members.
Hebert also cited an official recognition from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
“Since 1850, First Baptist Church of Bastrop has witnessed watershed historical moments and seismic shifts in our society,” Abbott wrote. “Though much has changed in the previous 175 years, your commitment to the timeless tenets of the faith has not.”
Abbott wished First Baptist Church of Bastrop continued success.
“It’s my sincere hope that you reaffirm your commitment to your congregation, the Bastrop community, and most importantly, to the Lord in the coming years as you prepare for the next 175 years of Christ-like service,” Abbott said.
- 1201 Water St., Bastrop
- www.fbcbastrop.org
