First Baptist of Marble Falls celebrates 125 years of serving
DANIEL CLIFTON • PICAYUNE EDITOR
MARBLE FALLS — When the city of Marble Falls laid down roots 126 years ago, one of the deepest tap roots started working through the community a year later.
“Marble Falls was founded in 1887 and the church was founded in 1888,” said Gary Stone of First Baptist Church of Marble Falls. “Marble Falls First Baptist has been an integral part of history of Marble Falls. I don’t think the town would be what it is today without the church, and I don’t think the church would be what it is today without the town.”
First Baptist Church of Marble Falls, 501 Twelfth St. in Marble Falls, is celebrating 125 years with several weeks of events. The first is Sept. 29 when the congregation holds “History Day” during a special service in the worship center at 10:20 a.m.
Along with the service, people can check out historic memorabilia displayed throughout the church.
The celebration continues Oct. 6 with “Revival in the Park.” While the congregation will hold Sunday school at its church on Twelfth St. from 9-10 a.m., they all will gather in Johnson Park at 11 a.m. for worship and a drama presentation.
“The church actually started in Johnson Park,” Stone said. “As a result of a revival session in (what is now known as) Johnson Park, there were 27 people who decided to start the church. Until then, there was no other church in Marble Falls.”
Following the Oct. 6 service in Johnson Park, the congregation will continue to celebrate the 125th anniversary with fun and fellowship throughout the day.
One of the hallmarks of the church isn’t necessarily a building or landmark, but one of its former ministers. The Rev. Max Copeland came to First Baptist of Marble Falls in 1958. He tended to the flock until his retirement more than a decade ago. Still, Copeland ministers throughout the community — he’s regularly asked to handle funerals and weddings — as well as teaches a Sunday school class at First Baptist.
The church is honoring Copeland and his wife Glenna Oct. 12 with a homecoming celebration and reception at 5 p.m. in the worship center.
“Brother Max loves Jesus Christ with all his heart,” Stone said. “He wasn’t just the First Baptist pastor, he’s been the pastor for the Highland Lakes since he came here. It doesn’t matter who you are or what church you attend, or even if you attend church, Brother Max would visit you if you were sick. He’s one of those people who has probably touched more lives than you can imagine.”
And on Oct. 13, First Baptist Church of Marble Falls is holding a “Homecoming – Family Gathering.” The church will hold regular Sunday school and services at its current location, but following those the congregation will gather at the La Ventana location, 901 La Ventana Ave., for a ground breaking and catered lunch.
The church purchased the property in 2003 with plans of building a new facility there. With the current and expected future growth, Stone said a new building has become necessary.
“We’re inviting anybody who has any kind of connection with First Baptist of Marble Falls to come and join us for the celebration and ground breaking,” he said.
Construction should begin in November with completion taking a year or so.
“We felt it was time to do it and make the move,” Stone added. “We’d like to build a building that will last us 80 years or more.”
Go to www.fbcmf.org or call (830) 693-4381 for more information.
daniel@thepicayune.com