Getting Religion
Welcome to the Bible Belt! The South has a rich history of religiosity, and Abilene is no exception. With well over 100 active Christian church buildings and one Jewish temple, Abilene’s worship offerings may seem one sided, but actually are exceedingly varied. Included here are the churches my friends and I have enjoyed.
While some churchgoers are able to worship God in any environment, others feel uncomfortable worshiping where their skin tone doesn’t match that of fellow believers. In sensitivity to the latter, I have organized this list according to the congregation’s predominant ethnicity. Please understand: “predominately” does not mean “only.” Churches in Abilene are integrated—and all the better for it. The vision most frequently touted is that of “one Church,” with varying styles from congregation to another.
If you don’t find that these listings suit your needs, you may want to check www.abilene.com/religion.html or the phone book for additional places of worship.
MY PICKS
University Church of Christ Iglesia de Christo (673-6497) 733 EN 16th
Albert Acosta preaches in two tongues at this small chapel within the University Church of Christ building, Spanish and English. Albert has a colorful background that has afforded him some great stories and intriguing insights. University C of C’s strong international student outreach attracts a broad assortment of people to this service. The congregation shares an intimate worship setting and is as ethnically varied as it gets.
Sunday service is at 10 am.
St. Paul’s United Methodist (672-7814) 525 Beech St.
Do not despair if Sunday rolls around and you have you have the flu. This downtown church televises their service on ABC, channel 4. While watching from home is never quite as rewarding as attending services, I still enjoy the weekly lesson from Senior Minister Steve Chappell. When bed-ridden, this is where I go.
Sunday morning service is at 10:55 am.
Beltway Park Baptist (692-6540) 4009 Beltway South
This is a vibrant church that draws a very large, casual crowd every Sunday. The band is famous for inspiring patrons to worship. Even many of my Church of Christ friends find this service to be the most uplifting and inspiring in town. If you like big churches, you should definitely check this one out.
Beltway also hosts several concerts each year, so be sure to check their website regularly for dates and times.
Sunday morning services are at 9:00 am and 10:45 am. Most students go to the 10:45 service and the 9:00 college bible class.
Pioneer Drive Baptist Church (692-6776) 701 S. Pioneer
This church was voted “best” by readers of the local newspaper in 2003. They are very active and have a wide array of activities and ministries you may wish to participate in—even if you’re not a member. They also host a few concerts each year.
Sunday morning services are at 8:00 am, 9:10 am, and 10:35 am.
PREDOMINATELY BLACK CONGREGATIONS
Cathedral of Praise (677-1817) 1326 S 14th
Sunday morning services are at 11:00 am.
Minda Street Church of Christ (676-2151) 701 Minda
Sunday morning services are at 10 am.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church (673-8495) 520 State
Established in 1885, this Abilene’s oldest African American church. Sunday morning services are at 11:00 am.
North 10th & Treadaway Church of Christ (672-7122) 943 Treadaway
Sunday morning services are at 11:00 am.
PREDOMINATELY HISPANIC CONGREGATIONS
Sacred Heart Catholic Church (677-7951) 837 Jeanette St
Sunday morning services are at 9:30 and 11:30 am. Saturday services at 5:30 pm.
St. Fancis Catholic Church (672-6695) 826 Cottonwood
Sunday morning services are at 9:00 am (English) and 11:00 am (Spanish).
St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church (672-1794) 2525 Westview Drive
Sunday morning services are at 9:00 am (Spanish) and 11:00 am (English).
PREDOMINATELY WHITE CONGREGATIONS
Highland Church of Christ (673-5295) 425 Highland Ave
Services at 8:15 and 11:00 am Sunday
Highway 36 Church of Christ (529-3818) 10576 State Hwy 36 South
Sunday morning services are at 11:00 am.
Morning Star Community Church (675-5060) 221 Oak St
Sunday morning services are at 9:00 and 10:45 am.
Southern Hills Church of Christ (692-2670) 3666 Buffalo Gap Rd
Services at 8:25 and 10:45 am Sunday
www.southernhillschurchofchrist.org
University Baptist Church (672-7895) 2141 Grape St
Sunday morning services are at 10:45 am.
TEMPLE
Mizpah Temple (672-8225) 849 Chestnut
Call for service times.