Our History
The first recorded Baptist work in the community was in 1854, when
immigrants began to settle in the South Gabriel Valley.
In 1882, the railroad was extended from Austin through the area, and the
town on the South Gabriel moved, establishing the new town of Bertram. Some
five years later, several churches joined together to form First Baptist
Church of Bertram.
First Baptist Church of Bertram constructed its first permanent
building, a one-room structure, in 1892. This building served as the
meetinghouse for the church for 55 years, until lightening struck the
church's belfry, knocking loose the bell, which fell to the floor creating
a large hole. Construction soon began on the early portion of a new church
building, The auditorium and adjoining rooms that constituted the main part
replaced the 1892 structure and was dedicated on June 29, 1947. In 1949 the
church called its first full time pastor and also purchased a parsonage.
In 1951, a new wing was added to the church building providing
additional educational space; and around 1980 the fellowship hall was
built.
In 1999, a church building became available on CR 243, about two miles
south of Bertram, and through a cooperative effort by First Baptist Church
a new Spanish Mission was established, Iglesia Bautista Emanuel. First
Baptist Church continues to act a sponsor of this church.
On March 25 2001, the move was made to our beautiful and much larger
sanctuary. In 2005, we purchased an adjacent, residential property with
hopes of constructing a Family Life Center. Look for exciting things
to happen and seek God as to what your part can be in this endeavor.
Contact Pastor Gordon Bergstrom at
512-355-2167
First Baptist Church of Bertram
P.O. Box 1602
Bertram, TX 78605
