On June 26, 1898, a group of Waco Baptists formed a new congregation called Third Street Baptist Church. The Rev. William D. Bowen became their pastor in July 1898, and Bowen gave the opening sermon in the church's first building in June 1899. In 1903 the congregation relocated to this site and became known as Seventh and James Baptist Church. A larger building was erected in 1906, and facilities were altered as needed. The church claims a global extended family of Baylor University students, and many of its pastors have served as professors of religion at Baylor. Seventh and James Baptist Church continues to uphold the traditions of its founders.