Weslaco, Hidalgo County
Visiting Evangelists from the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board encouraged area Baptists to organize a church in 1921, just two years after Weslaco was established. The congregation first met in the Stephen F. Austin School before moving into its own building. Many early members of First Baptist Church were community leaders who were vital in Weslaco’s development. The congregation has focused on missions, including overseas medical work and the organization of four Spanish-speaking churches in Weslaco since 1946. Between 1938 and 1968, members were also involved in a well-baby clinic. Today, the church continues to serve as a spiritual leader in the Weslaco community. (2008)