A Dynamic Duo

Solomon Green O’Bryan was a man of many talents. A graduate of Wake Forest College, he was a professor of mathematics at Baylor in Independence when he was called to pastor FBC Waco where, during his six-year tenure, 67 members were added by baptism and 121 by letter. In his first meeting of the church membership, he encouraged the construction of the first house of worship which also accommodated school rooms for the Trinity River High School for boys and a girls seminary.  He proved himself an able school administrator, helping to organize the schools for boys and girls that eventually merged with Baylor University. Upon leaving the FBC Waco pastorate, he remained in the community, mentoring men who had received a call to ministry. One of those young men was Stephen Cobb.

Cobb came from a very different background. Born into slavery, he was a member of FBC Waco, and among the 105 freed men and women who were granted letters of dismissal in 1865. Fifteen of those men and women, with the aid of O’Bryan and other FBC Waco members,  organized New Hope Baptist. Cobb was also among those men who were taught by Elder O’Bryan and thus became the first pastor of New Hope Baptist.

Both pastors left a legacy of commitment to Christian evangelism and education in Waco along with vibrant congregations that still exist today. Cobb also left a legacy in the fame and accomplishments of his grandson, Jules Bledsoe, the Waco-born, internationally acclaimed actor and classically-trained musician, best remembered for his rendition of Ol’ Man River as Joe in Show Boat.  Oh, and Solomon O’Bryan–his great grandson was Van Cliburn— that other internationally acclaimed, classically-trained musician from Texas.