Birthplace of Baylor University

After we got back from Sea World (Saturday evening), we rested up for a whirlwind week. Last week was C-R-A-Z-Y but we survived and even managed to get everything done. To God be the glory because that's the ONLY way it worked out!

Wednesday afternoon my co-workers and I headed out to Independence, Texas, which is the birthplace of Baylor University. About six years ago the University began offering Baylor Line Camp for incoming freshmen. It's a time for them to make new friends and learn all about the spirit, tradition and history of Baylor.

One part of the trip is a historical look and it actually takes place in Independence. We were blessed to be able to join one of the camps for this portion of the programming.

We drove around for a bit when we first arrived and saw Mrs. Sam Houston's home...

...figured out very quickly that this is a town FULL of history...

...and made our way to the original Independence Baptist Church where we would have dinner...

...but we got there a bit early so we had a chance to check out the interior, which - thankfully - does boast air conditioning...

...and also has Sam Houston's pew marked for easy reference. You could see where he had made carvings in the pew ahead. It was super cool.

There is also a small museum where the fellowship hall used to be...

...and there's Mrs. Houston's bell tower :-)

A number of benches were outside in memory or honor of special folks...and I happened to find one honoring my former boss and his wife ;-)

After dinner, which was sooooo good, we headed inside to learn some history. And, of course, this portion ended with "Sic 'em, Bears!"

Next up was Windmill Hill, which is where the men's campus was and is now Baylor State Park. You can still see the footprints of the buildings and some beautiful walking trails and landscaping have been added as well. Very picturesque...

This is also where Judge R.E.B. Baylor was originally buried. For some reason his bones were moved to Belton and can be found at UMHB but he was originally laid to rest at Windmill Hill. There's a wrought iron fence around the plot now marking his spot...

After some time being "about the town" of Independence, we headed to Academy Hill (originally the women's campus) for a very special time of worship and the official induction of our new students into the Baylor Line.

But that deserves a post of its own :-)

Happy Thursday!