Submitted by:
----------Pearl (Taylor)
Vanderbilt, 2003
Zion
Rock Baptist Church
Highbank, Falls Co., Texas
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Zion Rock "On the Hill" Organizing Members
(Deacons)
Mr. Willie Burch, Mr. Jim Freeman, Mr.
William Holmes, Mr. Steve Route,
Mr. Sherman Turner, Mr. Abraham (Abe)
Tubb, Mr. Allen Williams.
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Zion Rock Baptist Church, Highbank,
Organizing Members
(Deacons)
Mr. Levi Buckner, Mr. Perry Diles, Mr.
Fate Fisher, Mr. David Lockhart,
Mr. Ernest Lockhart, Mr. Andrew Maxwell,
Mr. Austin Washington, and Mr. Nelson Washington
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Past Matriarch of Zion Rock Baptist Church
Sister Eliza Holmes
Sister Eliza Holmes was a long time active
member of Zion Rock Baptist
Church. She was a Sunday School teacher,
and an usher for more than 50 years, until her
health caused her to relinquish that duty.
She passed away in 1991 at the wonderful age of 102 years old.
1889 - 1991
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Former Members of Zion Rock Baptist Church
Submitted by Pearl (Taylor) Vanderbilt
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This composition is
excerpted and revised with permission from an original work written by Mrs.
Ernestine Lynn Evans - Zion Rock Baptist Church, One Hundred Second Church
Anniversary, June 11, 1995 - retired educator, lifelong
Zion Rock Baptist Church member, and unofficial church historian.
----------Pearl (Taylor) Vanderbilt
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Zion Rock Baptist
Church is located less than fifteen miles south of Marlin in the once bustling
farming community of Highbank, Texas.
It is probably one of the many, many, small African American churches that broke
ground in the long years following the Emancipation Proclamation.
Established in 1893 by
Reverend P. Williams, Zion Rock began its journey as the first of two (2)
churches. The first church being built on a tract of land known as, "On The
Hill." A historical reference to the structure's original site situated on a
slope on the main highway leading into town. When a decision was made by church
leaders to move the building to its present location at Highbank proper, some of
its then-members and deacons expressed an unwillingness to make the move. The
remaining group, instead, choosing to pool their monetary resources and raise a
second church. This second building housed both a church and a public school.
The two churches, Zion
Rock "On the Hill," and Zion Rock, Highbank, would eventually merge as one
complete house of faith in the late 1940s.
In the early days, as
was the custom with most churches in modest communities, Zion Rock was the focal
point around which all other activity revolved. It was a place of praise and a
meeting place. A place, whereby, after services on Sunday, town's folk briefly
socialized, exchanged a pleasantry, or perhaps offered the invitation of a meal
before getting back to the trials and tribulations of the harsh work week ahead.
Many of the
descendants of Zion Rock's founding fathers and prior members still make up the
Body of Christ there today.
As of June 1995, while
celebrating its 102nd Anniversary, Zion Rock had had a total of nineteen (19)
pastors. Some of whom traveled long distances in keeping with their Sunday
commitment. One minister, Rev. R. T. Morgan (1948-1950) drove from his in
Brownwood, Texas, to Highbank every second and fourth Sunday, returning on
Sunday nights to prepare for his civilian job the following morning as principal
of a school.
Rev. R. L. Westbrook
took the helm at Zion Rock in 1950. He later resigned to become pastor of a
church in Marlin.
Under the leadership
of Rev. M. H. Evans (1953) Zion Rock's membership grew. It was also under Pastor
Evans' supervision that Zion Rock's largest overall restoration to date took
place. The church building, pastor's study, and choir room were remodeled. New
carpet was laid, and after years of using oil lamps mounted along the walls for
lighting, electricity was introduced.
In 1964, under the auspices of Rev. R. L. Harris, a wing consisting of a kitchen
and dining area was added. It was under Rev. Harris' charge that the church's
first and only Corner Stone was erected. Rev. Harris also maintained the longest
tenure as head of the Zion Rock congregation - 17 years.
In September 1986,
Rev. A. C. Franklin of Austin, Texas, was called to pastor. His guardianship
brought about much abundance and prosperity. Bringing to the fore a renewed
physical, spiritual, and financial growth. Central air and heat was installed,
insulated walls were put in place, a water fountain, microphones for the pulpit,
telephone communication, the Lord's supper table, just some of the many things
Pastor Franklin achieved.
As with most
institutions that have braved the centuries, Zion Rock's facade has undergone
several changes. Evolving over the years from one distinct look to another. Each
stage providing a cherished memory for every member assembled there.
Baby-boomers will most recall the church's early double doored front entry. Each
separate doorway having its own set of steps leading into the vestibule. A more
somber memory many might also recollect is the sad tolling of the bell in the
church tower when someone in the Highbank community had passed away.
Church baptisms, long
since performed indoors, were once conducted in a nearby creek known as the
"Corner Hole," and the "Annie Murry Fishing Hole," named for a Highbank
resident.
Today, at 112 years
old, Zion Rock is as vibrant a congregation as ever. Flourishing under the
pastorate of Rev. R. L. Franklin who, like several messengers before him, makes
the biweekly pilgrimage from his in Austin, Texas.
Church Homecoming
festivities are held every June. It is an annual bringing together of existing
members and former members from towns and cities both near and far away. A
joyous gathering together to celebrate with worship Zion Rock's rich and full
past and its future.