James Lafayette Walker was born March 15, 1851, in Missouri. He died November 11, 1943.

While he was employed by the Waco Baptist Association, Bro. Walker conducted services at the Church from September, 1900, through the end of the year.

In January, 1901, he assumed a half-time position with the Association and accepted the pastorate of the Church. A Baptist Sunday School was organized in June, 1901. Bro. Walker was described by a colleague as "one of the humblest and most self-sacrificing, and consecrated men in our Baptist ministry." He wrote a number of articles and was co-author of History of the Waco Baptist Association of Texas, 1897.