J.B. Reaves (1894 1900)

James Bailey Reaves was born June 2, 1859, in Arkansas. The date of his death is not known. In 1890, he moved his family to Waco so he could attend Baylor University. When he became Pastor at Hewitt, Bro. Reaves was also serving White Hall, Bosqueville and Flat Rock churches, which he continued to do.

On January 5, 1895, two months after its organization, the Church elected G.R. Trice, E.C. Kellogg and J.P. Blanton to serve as a building committee. At the next regular meeting on February 2, 1895, these three men were elected as Trustees of the Church. On September 21, 1895, the Church was admitted to membership in the Waco Baptist Association.

Lots for the church building, located at Graham and First Streets, were given to the Church by John Allison Warren. The foundation for the first building was laid on September 27, 1895, and the building was completed on December 20, 1895. It consisted of one large room. Hitching posts were located on the sides of the building. Dedication services were held on June 7, 1896, with Rev. George W. Truett, Pastor of East Waco Baptist Church, preaching.

In January, 1896, the Church agreed to pay the Pastor $150 salary for the year. In February, 1896, the ladies of the Church organized a mission society, the Methodists were granted the privilege of meeting in the new building and the Hewitt Sunday School was invited to meet in the church. The first protracted meeting of the Church was held in August, 1897. In June, 1899, in the first ordination service of the Church, W.L. Trice was ordained as a Deacon.