Following Emancipation, African Americans in New Waverly formed churches as places to gather and worship, and Western Grove Baptist Church, founded in 1885, became the town's oldest African American church. It began as Eastern Grove Baptist Church on an acre of land on the east side of town near the International Great Northern Railroad before moving to the west side of town and taking its new name. Reverend James Alford, Reverend Joe James, Sr., and deacons Dick Hill, Will Hargrove, Jack Burl, and Edd Bailey were instrumental in organizing the church. In 1914, Reverend B.F. Briggs became pastor, followed by Reverend Abe Parker and then Reverend Briggs again. In 1930, Reverend Loveless Lewis became pastor and, with Mrs. Annie Herndon, organized the choir. Strong winds blew down the church in 1936, leaving the building unused for a year before it was moved to the west side of town to be rebuilt on land purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kmiecik. The new building was completed in 1937 under Reverend J. Jones, additions were made in the 1950s and early 1960s, and the church was moved to its present location in 1958 when Interstate 45 was constructed through this part of the county. The congregation continues to serve as a spiritual beacon for the community.