A look back does more than just tell us where we've been. A Christian looks back to his first step of faith, the place where he met God, and rejoices. The exact date or time may be obscure but the experience is vivid. A look back reminds us of the goodness of God, how He has sustained us and loved us. It enriches our faith to recall how God has led us, His church, through shadows into the sunshine.

The early history and early records of the First Baptist Church are covered with shadows of storms, discouragement, and few members. However, a church planted by God, nurtured by Christian members is certain to grow. First Baptist Church is a living testimony that God can and will lead a congregation into His sunshine. So, it was in the little farming village of Angleton in Brazoria County, Texas, the First Baptist Church came into existence. The shadows of history still hang over the period from 1896-1898 in lost records, but available information points to 1896 as the founding date of Angleton Baptist Church.

In the 1890s, settlers from the Old South recovering from the hardships of the War between the States moved to Texas and started new homes and new lives. At that time, Angleton had a store, a post office, a hotel, and a Methodist Church. Southern families found themselves with new neighbors from several European countries, Yankee soldiers, and Northerners. Attesting to the hard times among the settlers, a report described the Gulf Coast as "probably having the greater distribution than could be found elsewhere in Texas." But, the whole Gulf Coast was rapidly filling up with thrifty, hard-working newcomers.

Union Baptist Association's efforts to send the Gospel resulted in engaging three missionary pastors for six months and a traveling missionary for two months. Each of these pastors had several preaching stations which would eventually become churches. In spite of their intense efforts, the report later read that they were unable to do one-tenth of the work that was needed. Dark indeed was the night. Yet, as early as 1889, the Baptist work had begun in Brazoria County.

It would be years before a half-time pastor could be supported by the Baptist Church, many more before a full-time pastor could be supported; so the first leaders were missionary circuit-riders who came one weekend a month.

One of these circuit-riders was Joseph Matthew Kailin, who is considered the first pastor. He also preached at Velasco and Columbia. All three were "part-time" churches. His salary at Angleton was $12.50 per month. Brother Kailin was a remarkable man of his day. He was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1859. He held a B. A. degree from Howard College and had attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Brother Kailin was ordained by Ebenezer Baptist Church in Alabama on September 22, 1867. He pastored in Alabama and worked for the Alabama State Baptist Publication before coming to Texas. The light started shining brightly under the leadership of this talented and devoted pastor. Membership grew to 46 during those years.

On August 11, 1898, during the fifty-eighth annual session of the Union Baptist Association, Angleton Baptist Church petitioned for membership and was accepted. The Associational letter of 1899 lists Brother Kailin as pastor and the church membership as 40. Brother Kailin was active in the prohibition movement. Just before the 1900 hurricane, Brother Kailin returned to Alvin as pastor. He returned after the hurricane to rescue survivors and the dead from the wreckage of the hurricane. He preached in Angleton and other churches of the county from 1896-1900. Concluding his work in Brazoria County, he returned to Alabama. After losing his hearing, he wrote poetry and music. He was living in Citronelle, Alabama, when God called him home in 1938.

H. T. Money was here for a short time before the 1900 storm hit, but left before the tragedy. Membership dwindled to 25. The records cast a dark shadow over the loss of members. With the records missing, a gap in our church history occurs. A remnant must have survived, although whatever property the church owned was gone.

As subsequent experiences have taught us, hurricanes can be tragic for a church, as well as for individuals. Most of the churches suffered varying degrees of loss, and no mission work was probably done for some time. If the executive board had not given assistance, so Brother Kailin reported, this mission field would have been in a deplorable state. He came back to Angleton in 1901 in an effort to help the Angleton church re-establish itself. Membership reported was only 15, and the figure dwindled to 11 by 1902. The shadows were so dark no annual reports were given for 1903 and 1904.

In 1905, Mrs. J. Wells was sent as a messenger to the annual Union Baptist Associational Meeting. The membership was reported to number 13. The minutes recorded by W. A. Mercer, Clerk, states that the "newly organized" church at Angleton was received into the association and the hand of fellowship was extended.

An upward turn seemed to occur, and the church began to move from the shadows into the sunshine. Brother W. W. Burr, who came on the field the latter part of 1905, seemed optimistic. Angleton was looking forward to growth, as the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railroad had completed its trunk line through Angleton. Angleton was now the county seat. With prospects for increasing economic growth, Brother Burr was eager to start constructing a church building. For several years, the Angleton Baptists had met in the Presbyterian Church when it was not in use. The Baptists owed a debt of gratitude to their Presbyterian brothers. They expressed their appreciation several times by drawing up resolutions of appreciation to the neighbor church for their hospitality.

Brother Burr secured the first pledges for a new building, totaling $800. A Worker's Institute of Union Baptist Association met here occasionally. Brother Burr believed this meeting which brought visiting church members for a stay of several days had strengthened the confidence of the people of the church. He recognized the future needs of the church, but he knew the rest of the money would have to come from other sources. Accordingly, the Union Baptist Association came to the aid of the Angleton Baptists with this resolution in 1906: (Regarding the application for a church building in Angleton) "We approve the Angleton appeal in sending it into any part of the state, and we will authorize Brother Burr to solicit help anywhere he can in the association and that the Board be directed to assist further in the matter as far as possible."

In spite of these accomplishments, Brother Burr evidently became discouraged. After completing one year of work, he reported to the association, "Excepting the work done by Brethren Williams, Tynes, and Kailin, Brazoria County has never felt the weight of Baptist influences - unless it be the influence of some so-called Baptist preachers who left an exceeding unsavory odor behind them."

In 1907, Rev. Burr gave up his Angleton pastorate because "of the limited number of adherents to the faith in Angleton."

The church was pleased to have Rev. Frank Halyard Morgan as pastor. He came in February, 1908, and served until 1912, the longest pastorate up to that time. He did much for Angleton Baptists, and the church made progress. Disaster came, however, in the form of a hurricane in 1909. Although there was considerable damage in the community, the effects were not so devastating as the 1900 storm had been.

Two important happenings in 1910 strengthened the church's witness. Sunday School was organized and from then on has been an integral part of the church work. Prof. J. H. Oliver was named the first Superintendent of the Sunday School. The same year the Ladies Aid was re-organized and dedicated themselves to many worthwhile projects. Mrs. J. H. Shakelford was president of the organization.

The church was pleased with what Brother Morgan had done for them and offered $125 a year toward his support as evidence of good faith. Bear in mind that the pastors were under the direction of Union Baptist Association as much as under the Angleton Church, for the association paid more of their salaries than the small churches at that time.

A primary goal of Brother Morgan was to get a church building completed. The work was finally begun on June 1, 1911. The main auditorium would be 36 feet by 44 feet with two classrooms and two dressing rooms. There would be a baptistry; so the rivers, Bastrop Bayou, and Oberhelman's tank would not be necessary for baptisms any more. Twin towers would adorn the front corners. J. G. Patterson received the contract for the building, which would cost $2,500.

Brother Morgan helped to find ways of financing the building. He reported that the Executive Board had set aside the month of May, 1911, for church building fund work, and further, that the Board was favorably inclined toward helping the Angleton church. A need for more money was answered by C. S. Bennett, who offered to loan the church $750 at ten percent interest to be repaid in three annual installments of $250 each. The trustees were authorized by the church to execute all necessary papers. A neighbor, the Velasco Baptist Church, loaned another $57.20 to be used for the new building.

The pastor reaped the reward of supporting the Ladies Aid organization. They stayed busy with their fund-raising. They served ice cream in the park while the community band played. They successfully raised $400 to buy the pews for the new church. They also contributed to the building and organ funds, purchased a communion set, arranged for refinishing the floors, and actively took part themselves in cleaning the church before each Lord's Day.

As the church membership prepared to move into their new home, they appropriately drew up the following resolution to the church which had lent them a meeting place. They expressed "appreciation and deep-felt gratitude to our Presbyterian brethren for their kindness, hospitality, and brotherly love so generously shown us in voluntarily tendering us the use of their church building while we were without a house of worship."

Brother Morgan's monthly visits to Angleton kept the church active and growing. He was one of the strong men in the Baptist ministry and preferred the missionary field. He gave notice that at the end of the present year's service, he was retiring from the mission field. He left his mark on the Angleton Baptist Church.

During the next few months after Brother Morgan left, the Angleton Baptists had several visiting preachers. However, the one who became the next pastor was Brother W. G. Burchard. He had been a member of the church and was licensed by the church to preach in April, 1912. He was then called to be pastor for the remainder of the associational year which ended in August.

The Rev. W. H. Gibson accepted the call to pastor in September, 1912. He was given a half-time pastorate. One of his requirements for accepting the post was that "the church sustain an active, co-operative interest in all missionary enterprises fostered by the denomination in Texas." He also asked for $400 a year and $500 additional from the association. He taught the church a bit of proper etiquette in calling a pastor - that he be given a sixty-day notice before being dismissed and he would, in turn, give the church sixty days notice before resigning if he decided to leave.

Brother Gibson's pastorate was progressive. Sunday School was revitalized. He had a Baptist Young People's Union going strong and involved many young people of the town. The women's work also made progress, continuing their projects for improving the church and serving the community. A better system of financing was instituted with budgets and pledges. The membership grew to 81.

Protracted meetings reflected a growing evangelistic spirit. In fact, a revival in August, 1912, had introduced him to Angleton Baptists, for he was the missionary evangelist for Union Association. During this revival, W. S. Sproles, Jr. and Miss Ethel Brubaker, who later became Mrs. Sproles, were converted and joined the church. With the other converts, they were baptized in Oberhelman's tank. After their marriage in 1920, they remained devoted and loyal members. Mr. Sproles' name appears in most of the minutes of the church business meetings from then on. He was often a messenger to a convention, chairman of a committee, deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and for many years a trustee of the church. He went to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve, 1984. For many years, Mrs. Sproles was superintendent of the primary department. As long as her health would permit she was active in Sunday School and in W. M. U. Mrs. Sproles joined her husband in 1987. Willie Sproles' father, Judge W. S. Sproles, Sr., was one of the earliest members of the church, having been a member continuously from 1900 until his death in 1936. The Brubakers also were towers of strength in the early church. Mr. Sproles gave this bit of wisdom for all of us, "God has blessed us, and if we will all work for Him as we should, much can be done. Let's all keep busy and win souls for Him, and thus make a better church and community." The memories of this family have been of inestimable value in keeping us informed about the early years of the church. Upon Willie & Ethel Sproles death, the church received a gift of their home, proceeds of which were used in the CTG building program of 1991.

The first years of Brother Gibson's pastorate saw an eighty percent growth in the Sunday School. It was a great day when the Angleton church had grown sufficiently to be able to host the Union Association for its annual meeting. Some 250 to 300 messengers were expected. The watchword for the meeting was PROGRESS, and progress was evident everywhere. In Texas, every eighth man was a Baptist. This fact made our territory the most destitute and at the same time the most promising field. Brother Gibson showed his skill as an organizer by the way he appointed committees and used them in managing the associational meeting. He resigned at the end of 1915 and went back to Oregon to an even larger field. Without doubt, this was a memorable pastorate.

In August of 1915, Brother S. A. Jones, a member of our church and a missionary, reported that the brethren of the church had decided not to call a pastor until after the associational meeting in August. During that time, he preached in Freeport, Danbury, Clute, and Angleton.

The Rev. E. I. Dickinson was licensed to preach by our church on January 3, 1915. He was duly and formally ordained into the full work of the Gospel ministry on January 21, 1916. The records during this time are indefinite and do not actually state that Brother Dickinson was called by the church, but he was evidently considered pastor for a time. He was lettered out in April, 1916.

From March of 1916 until May of 1917, a Rev. S. A. Allen accepted the care of the church on a fourth-time basis. But, he was asked to resign with no reason stated in the minutes of the church.

Times were changing fast in Brazoria County. The almost totally agricultural economy was gradually giving away to a more industrialized society. The mining of sulphur became more important as years went by. The turmoil in Europe finally reached Angleton. The next few years saw many young men from the church go to war. Every church had its service flag with blue stars that sometimes changed, regretfully, to silver or gold. Our war-time pastor was Thomas W. White who served from November, 1917 through April, 1919. Brother White was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on January 30, 1868, and was converted from another faith in 1887, baptized by J. K. Parrish and ordained in 1890.

Brother White had held many offices besides pastor. He had helped to establish Rusk College and was secretary of the first board. In raising money for Home and Foreign Missions, Brother White urged the Angleton Baptists to give enough money so the church could buy a $100 Liberty Bond to be sent to the Mission Board. This way everyone could have a part in the great bond drive during the war and also help missions causes. This was a common practice among churches during World War I.

A terrific hurricane in 1915 had damaged the church and many other buildings in town. Before this, in 1913, a bad overflow had caused flooding in Angleton. Perhaps the damage from these natural disasters made it difficult to keep the church going. The church always had financial difficulties and when there were repairs to be made and funds to be raised, a pastor could have a hard time. Yet Brother White managed to guide the church through the war years and establish the work in Freeport. The property valuation of the church reached $3,500 and membership grew to 102. Pastor White resigned to accept the position as missionary for Union Association, a position he held through twenty eventful years. After his formal resignation from the pastorate of Angleton Baptist Church, he moved to Freeport, but continued to preach here regularly for several months. B. A. Owens filled the pulpit at other times until a regular pastor was called in August, 1921.

W. E. Foster of Woodland Heights Baptist Church, Houston, was called to serve as pastor in August, 1921. He served through March, 1923. Brother Foster was especially interested in the young people of the town and promoted a Young People's Union meeting at the church to which all the young people of Angleton were invited. His aim was that the young people's work in all the churches be advanced. Rev. A. C. Maxwell, B. Y. P. U. field secretary, was the instructor. He offered "plain" Bible teaching and Bible history, without sectarian coloring. During Dr. Foster's pastorate, Mrs. F. A. Taylor was elected church pianist on October 2, 1921, and held that job in the church for many years. On November 7, 1923, the church accepted the resignation of Pastor Foster, "commending and thanking him for his labors in the church and wishing him God-speed in his new field."

W. E. Hathorn was pastor from December 8, 1923, until October 1, 1926. He was a good preacher and the church was fortunate in securing him to serve half-time at a salary of $40 per month, but supplemented by $25 a month from the Association. The church pledged $30 to the Association for the year. Brother Hathorn served League City for the other half of his time.

In some ways, times were better economically in this area in the 1920s, because oil had been discovered in the county. West Columbia was the center of great bustle and activity. Naturally, life speeded up in Angleton. Prices also were a bit inflated compared to those before the war. The population of Brazoria County was growing as the people came and went to jobs in the oil and industrial plants. Cattle raising and rice farming continued to be important up to the present. But the stock market crash of 1929, followed by drought and depression in the 1930s were factors in many lives.

The church was still having budget troubles when Roland P. Hood, just out of Baylor University and just married, came on the field in February, 1927. The church members loved Brother Hood and his bride. He had Alta Loma in his care, also, but still enough money did not appear. So the Baptist Standard was dropped from the budget. Brother Hood resigned in August, 1928, to return to the seminary in Fort Worth to complete his theological course, which he had been forced to give up for two years because of his father's health. In later years, Brother Hood became Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Washington and Oregon.

L. A. Moore was called for half-time at $80 a month in October, 1928, with the understanding that he would be called for full-time or have the cooperation of another church so that he could have full-time work. Brother Sproles reported that the church could not find another church to cooperate, so Brother Moore left in February, 1929. After being without a pastor for a year, the church rejoiced over the fact that Brother I. L. Dickey and family had moved here. He accepted the call of the church to begin in July, 1929. But he resigned in June, 1930, to go into evangelistic work.

The plan for acquiring a parsonage was one of the first orders of business when H. E. Van Camp came to pastor the church in October, 1930. The property adjoining the church was offered for $3,000 with a down payment of $1,000. By pledging and borrowing, the money was raised and in January, 1931, the deed was recorded. The house was insured for $3,000 against fire and $1,500 against storm. Shortly after, came the hurricane of 1932, a terrific storm that badly wrecked the church and the parsonage, as well as many other buildings in Angleton. The twin towers had to be removed, broken windows replaced, the roof repaired, screens replaced, and the exterior repainted. In the interior, the floors had to be refinished, walls recanvassed and repapered throughout. The carpet had to be re-laid and fifty songbooks purchased. Apparently the roof had blown off or was damaged so badly that the entire interior was soaked. Much of the same had to be done to the parsonage. Fortunately, the church had learned the value of insurance. After serving two years as half-time pastor, Brother Van Camp was called for full-time service, but the church petitioned him not to ask for re-election. He resigned in September, 1934.

The church was needing additional Sunday School rooms when Brother George D. Burns arrived from his pastorate in Conroe in 1934. The idea of building two classrooms at the front of the building gave way to constructing a full-length addition along the west side of the building. It was voted on and approved. The cost was approximately $1000. Insurance was adjusted so that the church and furnishings were covered for $4,500 and the parsonage for $2,500. The church paid off the loan to build the annex in 1935. The church also voted to contribute toward the feeding of needy Mexican children for the remainder of the school year. This was in the midst of the depression years. Church membership grew to 147 during Brother Burns' pastorate. He resigned the ministry because of his health in 1936, but he and Mrs. Burns remained faithful and cooperative members of the church until their deaths. He taught a Sunday School class of men and Mrs. Burns worked in the church nursery for a long time. She died in 1981 and Brother Burns died in 1983.

David Boston succeeded Brother Burns as pastor. He had a successful year with the church, 51 new members by letter and 51 by baptism. Brother Boston asked the church and was given permission to have a part in a radio broadcast. The benefits and blessings of the radio gospel message were reviewed after a three-month trial. The program was extended until the end of the church year in September, 1937. The church led a revival in Rosharon agreeing to take into our membership those applying for membership.

With membership increasing as more people moved to Angleton, times were not quite so hard financially. The church was able to buy a new communion set, two electric fans, 25 chairs, a filing cabinet, fans for the annex, and to have termites exterminated. The total budget for 1937 amounted to $2,700. Brother Boston resigned in January, 1938.

The Great Depression gave way to war as World War II claimed the attention of the country. Times began to change significantly in Brazoria County. With the coming of the chemical industry to the southern part of the county, new job opportunities were available.

In 1938, before the war actually began, Bruner S. Lee came as pastor to First Baptist Church. He served our church for five fruitful years. The membership grew from 238 to 470. Once again, an addition to the church became necessary, this was to be the addition of a second story over the back rooms of the church. The kitchen was rearranged more conveniently and all the curtains replaced. The church treasurer was authorized to buy war bonds from the church treasury as funds became available. Several were purchased.

Brother Lee decided to enter the service of his country as a Chaplain. When he resigned in June, 1943, the church authorized him to baptize soldiers in the name of First Baptist Church, Angleton, while he was in the service.

The flood of job-seeking workers from all parts of Texas, as well as from other states, came to Brazoria County in the 1940s to work in the chemical plants. The schools overflowed with people, and so did the churches. When the war was over, many returning soldiers found jobs that they had longed for all during the depression years.

Brother John L. Shepard began a long and successful pastorate in October, 1943. Since his coming coincided with the date of the church's beginning, October has since been the occasion for our annual celebration. During the war years, a wonderful spirit of fellowship developed among the members. Daily prayer meetings were held for our men in service to their country. The W. M. U. made thousands of cookies to send to every serviceman in the church. Brother Shepard found us worshipping in the same building Brother Burr had tried to raise money to build. True, there had been changes made, some because of storm damage, others because of needed space. Now with the influx of new workers into this area, the old church was completely inadequate. For awhile, two services were held on Sunday mornings in the old church. Sunday School classes met wherever room could be found such as neighboring houses and the school across the street. A new building was necessary, but planning to build a church was easier than actually building it when construction materials were not available. But when the war was over and construction could begin, the new church became a reality when the present structure was dedicated on June 27, 1954. Construction of the west wing finally solved the problem of Sunday School space. The fellowship hall, later given the name of Shepard Hall in honor of the pastor, has given space to teach, worship, and have fellowship with one another.

One important event early in Brother Shepard's pastorate was the forming of the Gulf Coast Baptist Association. Brazoria County churches had grown up, and Union Baptist Association was growing too large. So, in the old Angleton First Baptist Church in October, 1946, Brazoria County Baptist churches formed their own association with the blessings of Union Baptist Association. Brother Shepard was chosen to be the first moderator of the new Gulf Coast Baptist Association. In honor of the occasion, the W. M. U. presented him with a gavel. Miss Carrie (Auntie) Sproles made the presentation. On her 100th birthday, Brother Shepard honored her by coming down from the pulpit and singing to her. Auntie went home to be with the Lord in 1954 at the age of 103.

The stained glass window over the baptistery in the sanctuary was designed by Brother Shepard and was a memorial gift remembering Pat Greener; a fine young woman of the church who had met a tragic death.

Brother Shepard's ministry was a successful one of 31 years. He seized the opportunities to lead the church in expanding its own mission field. A mission established on the south side of town rapidly grew into Second Baptist Church. We gave up 150 members to start that church. Now, that church has a child in Northway Baptist Church; that makes First Baptist a grandparent church. Even before Second Baptist Church was established, Templo Bautista for the non-English speaking Hispanic residents was established in the west part of Angleton in 1945. For several years, we sent summer mission groups to help in the Rio Grande River ministry.

During Brother Shepard's pastorate, the need for additional help became apparent. Glenn Sutton was our first Music and Educational Director. Seeing the importance of graded choirs, he began one for every age group. They even participated in choir festivals in the Association. The Chapel Choir of high school students was something to remember. They came on school mornings promptly to practice and then walked down the street to high school in time for classes. A highlight of every summer's V. B. S. was Brother Sutton's teaching leather craft and archery to Intermediates.

Boyce Moon continued the choirs. The High School moved to another building, so the Chapel Choir was discontinued. Brother Billy Ray Miller came on the field as Music and Youth Director in April, 1967. He was followed by Jim Clemons, Minister of Education, who was outstanding in the quality of work he did. Under his leadership, the Noah's Ark Day Care Center was begun in August, 1974. It has served a real need and continues to minister to the community under the leadership of its capable director, Shirley Beam. Brother Clemons was ordained by our church while he was here and upon leaving took a position at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Karen Clemons, an accomplished musician, gave loyal service in that field.

Under Brother Shepard's pastorate, we had the first paid office help. Ed Holloway was his first secretary. Zelphia Hill, lovingly remembered, ran the office for many years. Georgie Burns succeeded her and served until retirement in 1966. She is still around, though, as Sunday School Secretary and a researcher of church history, among other activities. Joyce Bailey followed her in the office and continues to serve.

Brother Shepard retired in 1974. During the time he was here, the boom years of the county, church membership increased from 470 to 2100. Of the 4000 additions, 1600 of them were by baptism. A total of $2,370,000 was given for all causes during the 31 years, one-tenth of which was for missions around the world. Brother Shepard successfully met the challenge of the times and helped provide opportunities for spiritual growth of the membership in a good church home.

Dr. Gene Russell came from North Carolina to be our pastor in February, 1975. He emphasized evangelism and discipleship training. A church constitution was drawn up and adopted by the church. By this time, the sanctuary needed refurbishing. New paneling, new lighting system, new paint, and new carpet were installed at a cost of $150,000. Brother Russell could not bear to see the Lord's House unkempt. He helped us to see what we had overlooked; and regular clean-up days came to be. A dynamic bus ministry and children's ministry were begun by Dr. Russell.

During the Russell years, the television ministry of First Baptist Church, Channel 4 in cooperation with American Cablevision of Angleton, was begun, directed by Charles Black, Minister of Music and Youth. The ministry continues through the efforts of many volunteers, both men and women. Donna Black was hired by the church to help her husband with his ministry. Her dramatic skills were put to good use in the puppet ministry, the youth work, the TV ministry, and the memorable Living Christmas Tree programs. The Adult, Youth, and Children's Choirs thrived and several ensembles - "Reflections" for Adults, "Sonlife" for Youth, and Men's Quartet were formed.

John Payne joined us as Minister of Evangelism in 1980 and he and his wife, Shelby, were invaluable to the church (after Brother Russell resigned in 1981) while we were seeking another pastor.

Gaylon B. Wiley was called as pastor in November, 1981 and left in 1991. During that time Templo Bautista Mission became a self-supporting church and changed their name to Primera Iglesia Bautista of Angleton. Other missions were begun - Oakridge Satellite Mission and East End Satellite Mission but are not now in existence. The building program was energized in 1990 and began to take shape as the Committed to Grow Campaign with a banquet and 3-year pledge campaign to raise $600,000. Bonds for a 15 year period were also issued in the amount of $800,000. Ground breaking was at the 95th Anniversary Celebration.

Trey Roberson was Minister of Youth and Evangelism 1985-1986 and was followed by Norman Flowers who came as Minister of Music and Youth in 1986 and left in February, 1991. Mike Gaines came as Minister of Youth in November, 1991 and left in December, 1995. Robert Prouse came as Minister of Music and Youth in April, 1996, with his wife, Cynthia. The Adult Choir enjoyed renewed efforts and the Youth were busy with visitation, backyard Bible clubs, mission trips, and many other activities.

Bill Hill came as Minister of Education and Administration in January, 1985 and left in 1998. Brother Bill introduced the church to computers in l989. Brother Bill and David Lawson were invaluable in their leadership of the building program operations.
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This part added by the pastor for a progress edition in January 2000.

The building program in 1992-93 provided First Baptist with a gym/family life center, office space, and more classrooms. Other renovations of the facilities have continued up to this present time. The Bride's Dressing Room and Parlor have been the more unique and beautiful of the additions.
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Other staff members are: Joyce Bailey, Secretary-Treasurer; Marilyn Wilson, Records Secretary; Debbie Brown, Part-time Worker; Tammy Palmer, Church Food Hostess; Bobby Beam, Church Custodian; and Shirley Beam, Noah's Ark Day Care Director.

Dr. Rodney B. Bowman and his wife, Joan, came in June, 1992. The church has continued to grow. The church membership is 1881. The budget for the year 2000 is $468,686. The building program has provided a family life center, additional office space, and refurbished and renovated the present facilities. The men of the church have taken a stand through the Promise Keepers program and continue to lead in prayer, personal involvement, and visitation. Prayer is a priority for the church and prayer groups meet Wednesday at noon, Friday morning, and various nights of the week in addition to Sunday services. The TV Ministry continues to provide a ministry to the community. With God's leadership and the staff God has sent to us, the church will continue to share the gospel with Angleton and surrounding areas.

Faith is sometimes a matter of progression we are often called upon to take one step at a time. We take the first, then God leads to the second. We enter the first door, then God opens another. We should never allow ourselves to be overcome by the apparent magnitude of a undertaking but remember what Elisha said, "They that be with us are more than they that be with them," and that the weapons of the man of God are not carnal but spiritual.

Nehemiah said, "I am doing a great work." He was not bragging on himself but rather he was giving recognition to the fact that the work was great because it was God's work. His was a difficult task but the scripture asserts that, "the people had a mind to work."

Can we not apply these words to the work that we have seen God do in First Baptist Church of Angleton for the past century? Let us continue to REJOICE IN GOD'S GRACE as we move into the second century.

COMPILED BY

Georgie Burns and Joyce Bailey

EDITED BY

Marilyn Wilson, Joyce Bailey and Angela Schneider

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

This history has been written in an informal way without much documentation. We would, however, like to list the most important sources:

PASTORS OF
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
ANGLETON, TEXAS

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEES
OCTOBER 19 & 20, 1996

Joyce Bailey 7/25/1996