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By Loretta Fulton

“We look forward to being on this corner for another hundred years.”

With those words, DeOri Newman, pastor of New Light Baptist Church, welcomed a crowd that gathered to celebrate the church’s first one hundred years. On Saturday afternoon, Feb. 22, a Texas State Historical Marker was unveiled on that very corner commemorating the church’s history in Abilene.

Carol Dilworth, left, and Roberta Thompson with new Texas Historical Marker at New Light Baptist Church.

Established in 1923, New Light Missionary Baptist Church was founded by several people who had left Macedonia Baptist Church. Listed on the marker are Mary Yates, Mariah Bennett, Lillian Wells, and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Weir. The Rev. S.H. Hubbard was named as the first pastor. Originally, the congregation met in a small house on Magnolia street, which is now North Treadaway Boulevard. The current church is located at North 6th Steet and Treadaway.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, established in 1885, was the first church built to serve Black citizens of Abilene, which was founded in 1881. Mt. Zion was followed by Macedonia Baptist Church, built in 1898. 

Before the unveiling, guests gathered inside the church for a dedication service. Among the guests were members of the Taylor County Historical Commission, which was responsible for getting the marker approved. Janis Test, chair of the marker committee for the commission, thanked the members of the church who provided the information.

“It was a real joy to work on this,” she said.

Jeff Salmon, chairman of the historical commission, noted that the church has served as a gathering place for decades and its members have served the community in various ways. Former longtime pastor Leo F. Scott was the first Black Abilenian to serve on the City Council. The church has a proud history, Salmon said.

“It is woven into the fabric of this community,” he said.

Andrew Penns, pastor of Valley View Missionary Baptist Church and a member of the Taylor County Historical Commission, was the keynote speaker. His parents were members of New Light and Andrew, born and raised in Abilene, was baptized there at age 12. Penns noted that the dedicated congregation of New Light was determined to build a new church and to be a part of the community despite segregation and discrimination.

“They made the effort that they were going to stay together,” he said. 

The historical marker noted three longtime pastors of the church–Scott, R.F. Bonner, and Alton Hurd. Both Bonner and Hurd led efforts to raise money for the construction of a new church building, which was completed in 1958. The marker noted that the church has long been known for its contributions to community efforts, education, and the arts. The church formerly sponsored a day care center, adult education classes, a young men’s mentoring program, and a church choir that is often featured at community events. The choir also was a guest of Gov. Ann Richards at the Texas Capitol. 

Penns, in his keynote address, said the hand of God was present in all the undertakings of the church from the beginning. Without a strong faith in God, early members would not have been able to push forward in the face of adversity. Without a reliance on God, the church would not be celebrating 100 years.

“Thank God for those who made it possible,” Penns said. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene