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The initial Baptist church to serve African American residents of Abilene was founded in 1885, four years after the town was established by cattlemen as a stock shipping point. New Light Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1923 by Mary Yates, Mariah Bennett, Lillian Wells and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weir after separating from Macedonia Baptist Church, which had been established in 1898. The Rev. S.H. Hubbard was the first pastor. The newly formed congregation held worship in a small house located on Magnolia Street (now known as N. Treadway).
The Rev. R. F. Bonner served as pastor of New Light from 1927 through 1948. He led efforts in fundraising and construction of a new church building, erected across the street facing the original home where services were first held. This new facility was affectionately referred to as “the Little Cobblestone Church.” Due to the growing congregation, a new building was completed in 1958 under the leadership of the Rev. Alton Hurd.
Through its long-serving leadership, New Light is also known for its contribution to community efforts, education and the arts in the city. The church sponsored a daycare center, adult education classes, a young men’s mentoring program and a church choir which was featured on the radio and in the community. The choir was also the special guest of Governor Ann Richards at the Texas Capitol. The Rev. Dr. Leo F. Scott was the first African American to serve on the Abilene City Council. Pastors and the congregation have participated in the progressive West Texas Baptist District Association, Abilene Negro Ministerial Alliance, and the General Baptist State Convention. New Light Missionary Baptist Church continued to be an integral part of the Abilene community. (2023) |
