College Station, Texas, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church celebrates Pastor A.C. Clark III’s 30 years of leadership, while Central Church and First Baptist Church honor their 100-year legacies. The celebrations included music, food, and community reflections, showcasing the churches’ long-standing commitment to the College Station community.
College Station, Texas — Local churches in College Station are celebrating significant milestones, as Pleasant Grove Baptist Church commemorates Pastor A.C. Clark III’s 30 years of leadership and both Central Church and First Baptist Church mark their century-long legacies.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church recently held a special event to honor Pastor A.C. Clark III, who has served the congregation for three decades. The celebration featured food, music, and a retrospective highlighting Clark’s commitment to the church and its community. As a native of College Station, Clark noted that serving the community, especially those he grew up with, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his ministry. He expressed deep gratitude towards the congregation for their love, kindness, and generosity throughout his tenure.
On the other hand, Central Church in Bryan celebrated its 100th anniversary, reflecting on a century of ministry, service, and community impact. Founded in 1925 with just 81 members, the church has evolved into a multi-generational congregation of thousands. Lead Pastor Phillip Bethancourt emphasized the church’s mission as a “lighthouse for the gospel of Jesus Christ,” highlighting its critical role in the community. During the anniversary event, the church recognized its longest-tenured member, who has been affiliated with the congregation for over 70 years. The church has provided unwavering support during local tragedies and has served as a gathering place for nearby school districts, cementing its relevance in the community over the past century. Celebrations included a video message from Chris Tomlin, a former pastor and Grammy-winning Christian artist, alongside a concert by the band Shane & Shane and a fireworks display.
Also celebrating its 100th anniversary, First Baptist Church of College Station traces its roots back to April 8, 1923. Lead Pastor Troy Allen, with 25 years of experience in ministry, emphasized the church’s historical significance in the College Station community. Originally established in the Northgate District, the church later relocated to its current site near A&M Consolidated High School. The centennial was recognized with a proclamation during a College Station city council meeting. A brief history of First Baptist Church highlights its contributions during the Great Depression and its growth over the decades. Presently, the church is focusing on expanding its facilities to accommodate an increasing number of children involved in its ministry. In a show of community outreach, First Baptist Church provides 1,600,000 pounds of food annually through its various service initiatives.
These celebrations not only serve as a testament to the resilience and dedication of these local churches but also illustrate their long-standing commitment to serving the College Station community. Both the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and First Baptist Church showcase their legacies through various outreach programs, reflecting their essential roles in the local landscape over the years.
FAQ
What was celebrated at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church?
The church celebrated Pastor A.C. Clark III’s 30th anniversary of leadership.
What activities were included in the anniversary celebrations?
The celebrations included food, music, and a retrospective of Pastor Clark’s three decades of service.
When was Central Church founded, and what is its significance?
Central Church was founded in 1925 and has established itself as a significant presence in the community for a century.
What special event occurred during Central Church’s 100th anniversary?
Cameos included a video message from Chris Tomlin, a concert by Shane & Shane, and a fireworks display.
What is the current focus of First Baptist Church?
First Baptist Church is working on expanding its facilities to support its growing children’s ministry.
Summary of Key Features
| Church | Anniversary Celebrated | Significant Events | Current Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleasant Grove Baptist Church | 30 Years of Leadership | Celebratory event with food, music, and retrospectives | Community service and support |
| Central Church | 100 Years | Concerts, fireworks, and recognition of long-term members | Community outreach and spiritual guidance |
| First Baptist Church | 100 Years | Proclamation from city council and historical reflections | Facility expansion and children’s ministry |
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Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Wikipedia: College Station, Texas
- KBTX News
- Google Search: Central Church Bryan College Station
- KAGS TV
- Google Scholar: First Baptist Church College Station
- WTAW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: First Baptist Church
- KBTX News
- Google News: Central Church 100th anniversary
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