Church History
In 1872 Aquilla and Delila Jones gave a 1.6 acre site for the construction of a church, schoolhouse and cemetery now known as Harris Creek Baptist Church. The official date of the constitution for Harris Creek is in 1879, but church services were held in the Jones' house prior to this date. On Friday, August 8, 1879, the church was granted full membership into the Leon River Baptist Association (now, the Coryell Baptist Association).
The church experienced initial success after being formed, but went through a period of decline and eventually ceased meeting from 1893-1904. However, under new leadership, the church received full membership into the Waco Baptist Association in September of 1904. That year the church reported 30 members, an offering of $70.05, and nine people baptized.
Among the many unique facts in Harris Creek’s history is the period of time between 1932-1960. This is when the church shared their facility with a Methodist congregation. A Methodist and Baptist preacher on alternating Sundays shared the pulpit, and the congregation held joint revival meetings each summer under the spread of an oak tree. In 1960, the Methodist congregation decided to start their own fellowship elsewhere, leaving only 13 members of the Baptist congregation. This small group of people had to decide whether to close their doors or continue to minister to those in the area. They ultimately decided to keep the doors open and kept Harris Creek alive during these lean years.
The next two decades brought stability and steady growth to the church. Based on this growth, a new brick sanctuary was constructed in 1977. Ten years later, the education wing was remodeled and a fellowship hall was constructed. The 1990s brought on more growth with average worship attendance growing from 65 to 150 people. The annual budget doubled in this time period and the church moved to two worship services. In 2004, the church adopted a new constitution and moved to elder leadership. In 2007, the church completed a new facility and moved into its current location on Highway 84. The current leadership, elders and staff, are thrilled to add a new chapter to our storied history and continue to support the vision of Harris Creek as we “seek the welfare of the city” together.
