The Impresarios who brought colonists under the authority of Mexican Patents such as Stephen Austin, Edward Hayden, and others agreed that colonist brought under their contract would become Catholic. To practice Protestant religion was forbidden by law. It seems to have come as a surprise to the authorities that most brought their church with them, becoming Catholic in form but not in substance. Austin once said he "would rather have three horse thieves come to Texas than one preacher. He could hang the horse thieves."

One hundred fifty years is a long time relative to our lives. Since the founding of FBC over seven generations have joined in worship. But to put the time into some perspective, on any given Sunday four generations can be seen still part of the church. Only twenty-one years had passed since the Alamo battle was fought and Texas independence had been won at San Jacinto. The church was only four years old when the American Civil War began and Texas was under a new flag.

When I was a child, a year seemed like a long time. As I have gotten older I have come to realize how very short a year actually is. First Baptist Church starts this next fifty years in beautiful new facilities with an exceptional pastor and staff and some of the most loving and giving people I have ever known.

In the early days of Texas when my Uncle Nathan rode his Baptist circuit in the Concho River Valley, there were very few churches. He planted about thirty in his year of ministry. Going visiting meant a long horseback or buggy ride. On one occasion he came upon a newly built half dugout (a hole in the ground with a roof on it; my dad was born in one). In the yard a little girl was playing.

"Where did you folk come from?" he asked.

"Tennessee," she replied.

"Have you been to church since you came to Texas?" the Reverend asked. "No sir," she said, sadly looking down at her shoes." She continued, "Mama says God ain't got to Texas yet and she is not sure he is coming."