New Zion Baptist Church History

 When freedom came in 1865, former slaves quickly established two important institutions: churches  and schools. Reverend Moses Johns and a small group of believers organized the Colored Baptist Church  Zion in 1866 and erected a sanctuary on property located on Guadalupe Street where Tuttle Lumber  Company now stands. Rev. Johns was born in Tennessee in (ca1814 –ca1890). His wife Nancy was born  in 1824 or 1825 in Tennessee, also. The 1870 and 1880 Federal Census records show Rev. Johns and his  wife living in Guadalupe County. 

Rev. Johns and his wife had three sons: Isaiah, Aaron, and Abraham. In  the late 1860s and 1870s, Moses Johns performed a number of marriage ceremonies, uniting newly  freed slaves in Guadalupe County. He signed the marriage licenses as follows: “Moses Johns Minister  ordained Baptist C.”. Rev. Johns served the congregation until 1873 when Rev. L. Stephens was called to  lead the church. According to oral history accounts, the local Ku Klux Klan burned the sanctuary on  Guadalupe Street in ca1873 in an attempt to capture a black man who was thought to have been hiding  in the church. 

Oral history accounts suggest that the nineteenth century pulpit still used in the present  sanctuary was rescued from that fire. Because early records for Hays County were destroyed in a fire, we do not know when or from whom  the Colored Baptist Church Zion purchased its first land on which to erect a house of worship. The Hays  County Deeds book indicates that trustees E. Brown, Ketch McQueen, and Jack Gray purchased a lot on  Purgatory Channel from Squire Rucker on the 15th day of June 1878. The selling price was “fifty dollars  in hand” and a Promissory note at ten- percent interest due on December 1, 1878. In 1881, the  congregation purchased the lot at 219 Comal Street where Old First Baptist still stands. The Hays County  Deeds book indicates that trustees of the Colored Missionary Baptist Church, Ola Burleson, Dora Dusta, Lucky McQueen, and John Thomas, purchased a lot from Mrs. Julia Ann Travis for the sum of fifty cash  and three promissory notes of fifty dollars each “payable respectively—October the 4th 1881, April 4th  1882 and October 4th 1882.”(Deed Book). 

By 1881, the church had changed its name from Colored  Baptist Church Zion to Colored Missionary Church 2 Around the turn of the century, the congregation changed its name to First Missionary Baptist Church.  In 1908, Rev. G. F. Curry led the congregation in the building of a large, impressive, Victorian-styled  house of worship that is now known as the Historic Old First Baptist Church. 

The 1908 church with its  elegant towers, spacious basement, gently sloping hardwood floors, beautiful windows, double entry  steps, wide, airy porch, was designed by an architect whose name has been lost. Originally, the  basement floor was dirt, but Bro. Tom Steen, a rock mason, installed a rock floor around 1918. A concrete floor was installed on top of the rock floor, probably in 1936. First Baptist was established by  former slaves, and many of them were still alive in 1908 when the Comal Street edifice was built. Thus,  Old First Baptist, even in its sadly altered state, is historically significant because our slave ancestors  called upon the Lord within those consecrated walls. Rev. Curry served the congregation until 1920. 

The records of the Guadalupe Baptist District Association reveal the important role that First Baptist San  Marcos has played in its growth and development. For example, records indicate that the Guadalupe  Baptist District Association was organized in  1872 with First Baptist San Marcos as a charter  member. Moreover, our founding pastor, Rev.  Moses Johns served as a moderator of the  District Association. Other pastors of First  Baptist who served as moderator of the  Association include Rev. L. Stephens, (1878-79),  Rev. G.F.C. Curry, (1897 & 1908), and Rev. P. J.  Mays (1890). Rev. H. L. Newman served as Vice  Moderator in 1899. Rev. Charles Connally and  Rev. J. W. Wesley served as pastors of First  Baptist and board members for the District  Association. 

The Guadalupe Association met at  First Baptist San Marcos in 1903 and again in 1908. The 95th annual session of the District Association  was held at First Baptist San Marcos in 1967. The theme was “The Heritage of the Negro Church.”  Clearly, First Baptist has a long and distinguished history of service in the Guadalupe Baptist District  Association. The Guadalupe District Association met at First Baptist in 1924. An announcement in the San Marcos  newspaper for August 22, 1924 reads: 100 Voices To Be Heard at Colored Baptist Church The Guadalupe Baptist Association, beginning August 25 to 31 inclusive, will hold its 51st annual  session with the First Baptist Church (colored), in San Marcos, on the school campus in the beautiful  shade of the banks of Purgatory creek. 

In 1936, Rev. J. C. Connally remodeled the 1908 building. The roof was lowered and the front steps were  moved. The balcony was probably added during that period. Rev. Connally was active in the Guadalupe  District Association, and he was a strong supporter of Guadalupe College, Seguin, Texas. Rev. Connally  lived on his farm in Kyle, Texas until his death. During Rev. Connally's tenure as pastor of First Baptist and for many years thereafter, the church served  as a religious and cultural center in the community. 

For example, graduation programs and  baccalaureate services for the San Marcos Colored School were held in the old church. Vacation Bible  School and revivals were well-attended activities open to the community. One of the most successful fundraising activities that First Baptist has ever launched was the Sunday  Luncheons. Although it is difficult to determine the precise date that the luncheons began, we know that  they were being served at least as early as the mid- 1940s when Rev. F.P. Robinson was pastor of First  Baptist. 

The individuals who are credited with starting the Sunday Luncheons include Sis. Dora Lee  Brady, Sis. Mollie Barnett, Sis. Peggy Greenwood, Sis. Hattie Nell Mack, Sis. Frances Myers, Sis. Ophelia  Johns, Sis. Cordelia Majors, Sis. Velma Ramsey, and Bro. William Barnett. When the originators of the  luncheons retired from the kitchen, the following women continued the tradition: Sis. Josie Mack, Sis.  Helen Franks, Sis. Josie Sayles, and Sis. Ora Jean Young. At a time when segregation was the rule, First Baptist served delicious, home cooked meals to an  integrated group of patrons on Sundays after morning worship. Black and white patrons dined together  in the church basement where fifty or sixty people could be seated. For about $1.50, patrons could get a  hot meal served buffet style on glass plates with real flatware. The popular luncheons were held on the  second and fourth Sundays of each month. A typical menu featured turkey and dressing with the  trimmings, ham, chicken and dumplings with homemade rolls and desserts. Deacon William Barnett’s  Cabrito (barbecued goat) was a favorite dish. 

The First Baptist Sunday Luncheons are an important part  of the cultural history of San Marcos. Rev. Milton C. Arnold was called to be the shepherd of First Baptist in 1948. On November 3, 1952, Rev.  Arnold appointed a building fund committee consisting of the following members: Rev. Jessie Major,  chairman, Sis. Iola Smith, secretary, Brother Raymond Reeders, treasurer; Sis. Clara Stiles, Sis. Willie  Burleson, Sis. Willie Cephas, Brother Robert C. Thomas, Brother Tom Wilson; Brother L. E. Crenshaw,  Brother Willie E. Freeman, and Brother George W. Kerr. On July 18, 1953, Brother Anthony Giles,  Brother Tom Wilson, and Brother Leslie Traywick, Trustees for the First Missionary Baptist Church (as it  was then called) applied to the First National Bank of San Marcos for a loan to remodel the sanctuary.  5 The trustees determined that the remodeling work could be accomplished for $3,500.00. The bank  agreed to loan the church that amount. 

On August 10, 1953, the  remodeling work began with  $1,718.03 in the building  fund. Brother Tom Wilson,  chairman of the trustees,  and three other trustees  oversaw the project.  However, after about two  months into the project, the  trustees realized that more  work would be needed than  they originally planned. The  First National Bank agreed to  loan the church the  additional funds. The Smith  Brothers, George and James, were contractors for the work. The remodeling job was finished in  December 1953 at a cost of $10,728.77. 

The church borrowed $9,000 from the bank and paid off the  loan in eighteen months. Several women in the congregation commissioned a mural that was painted  on a wall behind the baptistery. This excellent example of public art painted by Mrs. Marian Kyle can still  be seen in the Old Church. Rev. Arnold was a much beloved pastor of First Baptist. He was also highly respected in the community.  Men sharing drinks on the corner would hide their beer bottles and put away their gambling  paraphernalia when they saw Rev. Arnold approaching. He is also remembered for his compassionate  and caring spirit. When a neighbor needed someone to bathe his body lesions, Rev. Arnold took on the  task, making daily visits to the man's home to administer aid until the man recovered. At his funeral,  which was held in the St. John's Tabernacle, a dove entered the sanctuary and alighted on his coffin, as a  token of divine favor. Rev. Laval Singleton was called to lead First Baptist in 1958 and served until Rev.  Mack Robinson. 

In 1980, Rev. Alphonso Washington was called to serve as pastor of First Baptist (NBC). He came to San  Marcos in 1942 as a soldier stationed at the Gary Airfield. In 1943, he married Miss Rosa Mae Johns who  was a member of First Baptist. He was called to pastor of Mason Lone Oak Baptist Church in 1956 where  he served until he accepted the call from First Baptist (NBC). Rev. Washington added (NBC) to  distinguish our church from the other First Baptist Church on Hutchinson Street. The NBC refers to our  affiliation with the National Baptist Convention. 

By the early 1980s, First Baptist (NBC) needed major  repairs; the roof was leaking, and the heating and cooling systems were outdated. Church trustees  attempted to secure a permit from the City to do the repairs, but their request for a permit was denied.  Apparently, the City wanted to encourage First Baptist to relocate in order to relieve the parking  congestion on MLK Drive (formerly Comal Street) and Comanche. Under the able leadership of Rev.  Washington, First Baptist voted to purchase land and build a new church. In April 1985, the property at 420 S. Mitchell was purchased and construction began in October 1985.  Deacons Robert Burleson (deceased), Wallace Cheatham, Israel Anderson, Johnny Bratton, Robert  Bratton, Sam Nichols, worked with the contractor to make sure the work was done properly. They also  coordinated the move furnishings from the Old Church to the new building. One of their most  challenging tasks was moving the bell from the Old Church. The new church was dedicated on October  12, 1986 with Rev. John Hall, Vice Moderator of the Guadalupe District Association, as the speaker. Rev. Washington is widely known for his commitment to community service. He served on the San  Marcos school board for twelve years, and he served on many other boards and commissions. 

Rev.  Washington is a charter member of the local ministerial alliance. A master plumber, he operated  Washington's Plumbing service for many years. He was pastor of First Baptist (NBC) until 1989. Around the time that the new church was built, a new tradition, the Taste Tea, was instituted at First  Baptist. Sis. Helen Franks and Sis. Nelvia Burleson started the Taste Tea as a fundraiser for the deacons  and trustees. Over the years, it evolved into a major fundraiser for the church. The Taste Tea is a  gastronomic delight that features the best soul food imaginable. Held once a year in February as a Black  History Month function as well as a fundraiser, the Taste Tea attracts people from as far away as Bay  City. For $12, patrons can sample a wide variety of soul food dishes. It is an occasion for good eating and  community outreach. On February 25, 1990, Rev. James B. Moye was called to serve as Pastor of First Baptist (NBC). 

Rev.  Moye came to First Baptist (NBC) from Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin, TX where he was an  associate minister. A native of Jasper, TX, Rev. Moye was noted for his outstanding singing voice. Under  Rev. Moye’s leadership, First Baptist (NBC) joined the St. John’s Landmark District Association where he  served as recording secretary for the district annual session in 1990. Rev. Moye’s motto for the church,  “Growing richer in grace, together,” was a hallmark of his ministry. Sis. Brenda Pleasant was choir  director during Rev. Moye’s tenure as pastor. Rev. Moye served First Baptist (NBC) until 1992. 

In February 1993, Rev. Glen Dale Franklin was called to pastor First Baptist Church (NBC). A Native of  Monticello, Arkansas, Rev. Franklin came to First Baptist (NBC) from Killeen, Texas where he was a  personnel/administrator supervisor with the United States Army stationed at Fort Hood. After 22 years  in the United States Army, Rev. Franklin retired with an honorable discharge in March 1993. Also, he  served as a deacon and associate minister in the Simmonsville Missionary Baptist Church in Killeen. Rev.  Franklin, his wife, Doris, and their daughter, Tamisha, moved into the parsonage located at 743 MLK  Drive. Before his health began to fail, Rev. Franklin could be seen jogging along MLK Drive. He  maintained a high level of physical fitness which complemented his energetic preaching style. 

Caught up  in the Spirit, Rev. Franklin would leave the pulpit and dash into the center aisle, fervently challenging the  unsaved to accept Christ as their personal Savior. Deacons would jump up and rush to untangle the  7 microphone cord to allow him freedom to move up and down the aisle. Eventually, he acquired a  cordless microphone which liberated him from the pulpit area. Rev. Franklin and Sis. Doris Franklin were  outstanding soloists who were frequently asked to sing by special request. During Rev. Franklin’s tenure as pastor, many new members were added to the church roll and Elder  Dennis Jones announced his call to the ministry. 

The pastor’s study was moved to what was originally  the choir room. Also, the pulpit area was enlarged and fitted with new carpet. Because Rev. Franklin was  taller than average, the historic nineteenth century pulpit was too low for him. Therefore, a pedestal for  the pulpit was built to accommodate Rev. Franklin’s height. A new church van was purchased during  Rev. Franklin’s tenure. The Hammond C-3 organ was donated to the church in December 1995.  Evangelist Jean Jones was the church organist and minister of music. After an extended illness, Rev. Franklin passed away on October 21, 2001, holding onto his faith. 

On September 1, 2002, Rev. Almond D. Dillard was installed as the twenty-second pastor of the historic  First Baptist Church (NBC). Born in Meridian, Mississippi, Rev. Dillard was reared in Burlington, IA,  Inglewood, CA, and Saint Louis, MO. He is married to Brenda Walker of Texarkana, Texas, and they have  four children. Rev. Dillard holds degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and Wayland  Baptist University (San Antonio Center). He retired from the United States Air Force after serving more  than twenty years. Rev. Dillard has served several congregations in ministerial positions, including  Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Saint Louis, MO, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Long  Beach, CA, and West End Missionary Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas. He came to First Baptist (NBC)  from the New Birth Baptist Church, Kingsbury, TX where he served as pastor for five and a half years. Since assuming the pastorate of First Baptist (NBC), Rev. Dillard has baptized many new members. 

He led the congregation in reaching important financial goals; for example, the note on the church van  and the debt on the adjoining property, as well as the Church Mortgage was been paid off during his  tenure. He has also led the church in acquiring approximately 4 acres of land directly across the street  from the church from the city of San Marcos. The land was acquired for use with a 30 dollar per year  lease for 5 years and renewable for 5 more years. The agreement stated that the church will assume  ownership of the land after that time for the cost of improvements made to it. The vision is to build a  parking lot, children’s playground and outdoor fellowship pavilion. Pastor Dillard organized a new women’s ministry called The Pacesetters with Sister Shannon Carr as the  ministry leader. Rev. Dillard established the Helps Ministry that collects and distributes food and  clothing for the needy. 

The Helps Ministry donates food regularly to the local food bank and every forth Saturday the homeless are fed at the San Marcos Southside Homeless Shelter. Currently the Helps  Ministry has partnered with WIC (Women’s Infants and Children) to provide a hot meal and offer  service. Under his leadership the Deacon's ministry now visits and ministers at local Assisted living  facilities. Pastor Dillard has also established the Hospitality Ministry with First-lady, Sis. Brenda Dillard, as the Ministry Leader. This ministry is responsible for ensuring visitors are made welcome and Christian  centered outreach takes place during our worship services. He appointed Rev. James Mathews to serve  as our first Minister of Christian Education. Rev. James Mathews served in that position from 2003-2005  and from 2010-2012 and then accepted a Senior Pastor position at Center Union Baptist Church in  Creedmoor, TX. Pastor Michael White II was appointed the First Assistant Pastor in 2003 and served in  that capacity until leaving to become a full-time senior pastor. Ordained under the leadership of Pastor  Dillard was Rev. Alaric Roberson and he licensed Rev. Michael White, Jr., Rev. Steven Nolan., Rev. Ronald  Rector, Rev. Colby Cotton.

Pastor Dillard has led the church in many Facility improvements. A new sound system was installed in  2008 and the parsonage was renovated and sold in 2018. In 2010 the Church purchased a new State of  the art Keyboard and retired the beautiful Baby Grand piano which was transported from the historical  ‘Old First Baptist’ to the current address. The Baby Grand piano played and inspired spiritual music for  over 60 years and has withstood the times  and musicians to still gracefully bring out  beautiful music. Other improvements to  date include re-carpeting of the sanctuary,  ceramic tiling of the fellowship hall, back  hallway, Pastor's Restroom, and Finance  office; as well as re-carpeting of the Pastor's  study and a major technology over-haul.  The stage and pulpit area were also re-built  and expanded. Rev. Dillard recruited Rev. Alaric Robertson in 2002, a gifted musician  and songwriter, who served as minister of  music for 8 years before being ordained in  2012 and appointed Pastor of Worship.  Minister Brendan Hunt then began serving  as Minister of Music in 2012 when Reverend  Robertson was made Pastor of Worship.  Pastor Dillard believes in the Ranch-hand model of leadership and established a Church Council  consisting of the First Baptist Ministry Leaders in 2008. With his leadership the council proceeded to  modify the Church Constitution and produce a set of comprehensive Church bylaws. When Pastor  Dillard came to First Baptist in 2001 he initiated the first documented annual budget complete with  budget codes for income and expenditures, allowing for tracking of all of the Churches financial matters.  

Currently the website has been revised and a new website “fbnbc.org” was developed along with  creating a Facebook page, building a phone application and on-line giving options for the convenience of  those who are not able to attend church services and want to stay involved with church activity. Rev.  Dillard, an outstanding preacher, teacher, administrator, counselor, and soloist. 

In November 2022, Pastor Dillard announced  his retirement and name his successor Pastor  Colby L. Cotton. 

Pastor Cotton, a devoted husband to Ashley Cotton and a proud father of seven, was installed as the 23rd Pastor of First Baptist Church NBC on September 17, 2023. His journey spans over 20 years of diverse ministry experiences, including 11 years of preaching and teaching under the guidance of Pastor A.D. Dillard at First Baptist Church NBC in San Marcos, Texas.

Driven by a fervent passion for the Kingdom's work, Pastor Cotton is deeply committed to serving God's people. His ultimate desire is to witness lives transformed through the transformative power of Jesus Christ, aspiring for his ministry to leave an indelible impact on the world.

A Legacy of Faith, Transformation, and Community Impact

Under the visionary leadership of Pastor Colby Cotton, New Zion Baptist Church has experienced a season of remarkable growth, renewal, and restoration. As part of honoring the church’s 150+ year history, Pastor Cotton led the congregation in reclaiming its roots by renaming the church to New Zion Baptist Church, a tribute to its foundational legacy in San Marcos, TX.

This spiritual and cultural revival has been accompanied by tangible transformations: 

A $40,000 renovation laid the groundwork for even greater advancements.

Pastor Cotton is bridging the gap between the young and the old, creating a church where all generations worship and grow together. The church continues to grow, as more people are drawn to a place of love, faith, and restoration. A culture of giving and generosity has flourished, allowing the church to expand its outreach and community impact.

Beyond the physical changes, lives are being transformed under Pastor Cotton’s leadership:

Souls are finding salvation and experiencing God’s grace. Marriages are being restored, bringing healing to families. Addictions are being broken, setting individuals on a path to freedom.

Pastor Cotton’s approach is rooted in the belief that every person matters—regardless of background, age, or circumstance. His leadership fosters an atmosphere of genuine love, acceptance, and spiritual growth, where everyone is valued and embraced as part of God’s family.

Pastor Cotton is a staunch advocate of prayer, praise, worship, community and the Word of God, recognizing these spiritual foundations as powerful tools in overcoming life’s battles. His leadership has not only renovated a building but has restored hope, purpose, and faith in countless lives.

The congregation stands in eager anticipation of what God will do next, holding firmly to 1 Corinthians 2:9:

"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

As New Zion Baptist Church continues to grow and serve, one truth remains: God is moving, transforming, and preparing even greater things ahead.