| Celebrating 110 Years in 2007 |
Our History
Here's Where We've Been . . .
| Organized in 1897 |
| Cornerstone laid October 26, 1907 |
| Ground Breaking for this building - 1955 |
| Inside of Sanctuary |
Here's Where We Are . . .
Here's Where We're Going . . .
| Family Life Center Addition in Process |
| A group of 21 men and women met on August 29, 1897 to organize the "East Cleburne Baptist Church", what would later become Henderson Street Baptist Church. The meeting was held under three wagon sheets located on the south side of East Henderson Street, across from the present building. The organization was formed following a revival meeting held in east Cleburne under the direction of First Baptist Church. |
| October 9, 1907, the church was incorporated under the laws of Texas as the East Henderson Street Baptist Church. The cornerstone was laid for the domed church building on October 26, 1907, at 5:30 p.m. This building became one of Cleburne's oldest and most famous landmarks. It was a large two story brick structure with a basement, nursery, kitchen, church office and pastor's study. The tall stained glass windows in the auditorium depicting biblical scenes, shed beauty and inspiration on all who passed by. Countless strangers found their way by following the instruction to "go to the huge brick church with the silver dome." The first service was held in the newly completed domed church building on April 5, 1910. |
| By 1916 records indicate there were seven departments in Sunday School: Cradle Roll, Beginners, Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior Adult and Home Department. Many of the church families had been touched by the First World War, Henderson Street BC worked with the Red Cross in packing boxes of bedding and clothes for the needy. Also, there was a milk and ice fund for the needy at the church. Our church along with thousands of others again experienced heartbreak and loss when our nation entered World War II on December 7, 1941. During this time the church was a haven of comfort and a refuge for strength as our people met to pray for peace and guidance. A Boy Scout Troop was sponsored by the Men's Brotherhood. In 1944 a Fellowship Hall was built as combined effort between the church and the Boy Scouts. It was used as a meeting place for the Boy Scouts. |
| On April 10, 1955 at 3:00 p.m. the ground breaking ceremony was held to build a new auditorium. Plans were made to have 75 pews of blond oak material and seat approximately 550 people. The first worship services in the new auditorium was held Sunday, January 22, 1956. On January 24, 1960 the ground breaking ceremony for a new educational building was held. The building was completed later in the year. It included nursery facilities, rest rooms, department assembly rooms and class rooms. The "Silver Domed Building" was torn down during the last half of 1960. Henderson Street Baptist Church has been involved in supporting missions here in Cleburne as well as other states and countries. There have been many mission trips by youth and adults to provide Vacation Bible Schools and help construct buildings. |
| After six weeks of holding services in the fellowship hall the first service in the newly remodeled auditorium was held on November 12, 1995. There are currently thirteen different Bible Study classes that meet at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. There is a place for everyone to come and study the bible. Our 10:50 a.m. worship service has a blend of traditional and contemporary music and bible-based preaching. Our Sunday evening service is at 6:00 p.m. Our Wednesday evening begins at 6:00 p.m. with a church-wide meal. At 6:30 p.m. there are programs for the children, youth, and adults. There are many opportunities to serve and use your gifts at Henderson Street Baptist Church as we seek to continue to reach East Cleburne for Jesus Christ. |
| We are in the process of adding a Family Life Center that will have a full sized gym, kitchen, restroom's, office space, and a meeting room. This will be a multi-purpose building that will enhance the mission of Henderson Street to provide ministries to reach East Cleburne for Jesus Christ. Come help us with the Great Commission! |
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