Religion

Old-time residents whose families have been in the area for generations know, said the Rev. Doug Haning. Hebron Baptist Church of Tyler just keeps going and going and going.

"For more than 173 years in fact," said Haning, pastor of the church at 11151 County Road 384 -- Old Longview Road. The church predates Texas as a republic, he said.

"The wood-frame church that used kerosene lanterns and wood-burning stoves first opened its doors in 1835. The property, where the church building has always been located, was purchased for a single dollar. Hebron served as a focal point in the heart of the community ever since," Haning said.

The church and adjoining schoolhouse got water from three wells located on the property. Baptisms were often held in nearby creeks and ponds, said information from Hebron Baptist.

"There was a clay pit between the church building and the road," Haning said. "Members of the community would bring their horse-drawn wagons to load them down with clay to make bricks for the chimneys."

After 100 years, in 1936, the old church and schoolhouse were torn down. A bright red brick building now stands just yards from the 1835 sanctuary site.

Hebron Baptist's history includes the birth of Texas, various wars and many "blue and gold-star members," said Haning. Today's services are "traditional" and music comes for a variety of old hymnals. But that doesn't translate as dead or dusty.

"We have the most dynamic piano player I've ever seen," he said. "We also continue the tradition of having singings here, where the most wonderfully talented musicians come from all over Texas to sing bluegrass, gospel and traditional Christian music."

The focus of it all is the gospel, he said.

"We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and have a very active 'soul-winning' program," he said. Haning has gone door-to-door inviting, and in some cases, re-inviting nearby residents.

"One older man who was on oxygen assistance said, 'I remember Hebron. I went there as a boy.' Some families in this area have been here for decades upon decades and Hebron was always there," Haning recalled.

About 25 "older" members show up on Sunday, but the couple is looking for younger families to come learn "how to serve the church," Haning said.

"Everybody has a gift that can be used," he said. "We're currently building a choir, youth and family ministry. We're looking for workers who have a heart of service. Everybody is welcome."

The longevity of the church and its desire to stay alive is rooted in determination, Haning said.

"Though there may be older churches (in Texas)," he said, "but none have fought so hard to keep its doors open and ministry alive as Hebron."

For information call (903) 372-0261 or by e-mail to doug_haning@hotmail.com.

FOCAL POINT: Hebron Baptist Church was built near the Longview Road in 1835, predating Texas as a Republic. The church served as a focal point for the church members, pictured in this undated photograph, for decades.
(Courtesy of Hebron Baptist Church)