A Tribute to Rev. M L Cooper Jr

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A Tribute to Rev. M L Cooper Jr A tribute to Rev. M. L. Cooper Jr., the former pastor of Second Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, faith Biographical Sketch
of
Pastor Marcus L. Cooper, Jr. Rev. and Mrs.

Marcus L. was the son of the late Rev. M.L. Cooper, Sr. of Austin, Texas. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1936, Tillotson College with a B.A Degree in 1940, Austin, Texas. In 1949, he earned the Bachelor of Divinity degree from Howard University School of Religion in Washington, D.C. He pastored Gay Hill Baptist Church, in Georgetown, Texas from 1950 – 1958. On February 16, 1958 he accepted the call to pastor Second Baptist Church in Waco, Texas where he was heard each Sunday morning at 10:30 am over KWTX Radio Station. Prior to his call to the ministry he worked as a Jr. Chemist with Acock Laboratories and a Mailing Clerk with the Baptist Bookstore in Austin, TX. Cooper served as a member of the Waco Ministerial Alliance, Moderator of the Good Hope Western District Association, President of the Baptist Ministers Union of Waco and McClennan County, and President of the Waco McClennan County Branch of the NAACP. He also served as a board member with the following organizations: United Way of Waco, Caritas, E.O.A.C, Doris Miller Branch Y.M.C.A, Ft. Hood Civilian Advisory Board, and the Hillcrest Hospital Board of Development. He was married to Minnie O. Patterson Cooper for 29 years and is the father of Esther Lynette Everett, and Marcus Langley Cooper III.

A Birthday Tribute to My Father, Rev. M.L. Cooper Jr.I reflect on the remarkable life of Rev. M.L. Cooper Jr. (1917-1981...
06/23/2026

A Birthday Tribute to My Father, Rev. M.L. Cooper Jr.
I reflect on the remarkable life of Rev. M.L. Cooper Jr. (1917-1981), whose legacy continues to shine brightly in Waco, Texas and beyond. Today, our family celebrates his heavenly birthday. His faith, service, and dedication touched countless lives.
My father was a spiritual leader whose impact extended far beyond the walls of Second Baptist Church. His commitment to serving others was unwavering, and his vision for a better community inspired all who knew him. The recent street rededication by Baylor University and the City of Waco stands as a testament to his enduring influence in Central Texas.1
I recall his gentle wisdom, his steadfast faith, and his ability to see the best in everyone he met. He taught me the importance of service to others, the value of education, and the power of faith to transform lives. These lessons have guided me throughout my life, and I see his influence in my own journey.
His work in the Civil Rights movement would go on to benefit all Waco residents by opening the doors of opportunity all of its citizens, regardless of race or socio-economic status.
As I celebrate his birthday today, I am filled with gratitude for the 16-years I had with him and the values he instilled in me. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the community he loved.
Happy birthday, Dad. Your spirit continues to guide us, and your impact on Waco and beyond will never be forgotten.
SMBC in Waco,TX Baylor University Waco, Texas: African-American Heritage

News coverage of the M L Cooper Drive dedication ceremony. October 16, 2023.
10/19/2023

News coverage of the M L Cooper Drive dedication ceremony. October 16, 2023.

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) – Baylor University and the City of Waco honored the life and service of Reverend M.L. Cooper, Jr. by rededicating the street named after him and formally unveiling the n…

10/19/2023

It's all to recognize his life's work that goes back decades ago.

Please join us on Monday, October 16th  at 3pm for the rededication of M.L.Cooper Drive on the Baylor University campus.
10/12/2023

Please join us on Monday, October 16th at 3pm for the rededication of M.L.Cooper Drive on the Baylor University campus.

Please join us as Baylor University will hold a Recognition Ceremony to celebrate and honor our former pastor, Rev. M.L. cooper Jr.

SMBC in Waco,TX
02/08/2022

SMBC in Waco,TX

02/08/2022

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 1979

Second Baptist Church,at 1205 South Second Street, was founded in 1879 and had a Centennial Celebration in 1979. Rev. M.L. Cooper, Jr. was the Pastor at that time. This photo is from the Centennial Celebration photo book.

From the Waco-McLennan County Library.

SMBC in Waco,TX in 1979.  The congregation took a photo to celebrate the 100th Church Anniversary.  Rev. M.L. Cooper sit...
02/08/2022

SMBC in Waco,TX in 1979. The congregation took a photo to celebrate the 100th Church Anniversary. Rev. M.L. Cooper sits in the middle of the front row with the church deacons. Thank you Waco, Texas: African-American Heritage Lynette Everett Minnie Washington

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 1979

Second Baptist Church,at 1205 South Second Street, was founded in 1879 and had a Centennial Celebration in 1979. Rev. M.L. Cooper, Jr. was the Pastor at that time. This photo is from the Centennial Celebration photo book.

From the Waco-McLennan County Library.

Rev. Cooper was an   Texas native but was proud to call   Texas his home.  He ministered to his congregation and fought ...
02/08/2022

Rev. Cooper was an Texas native but was proud to call Texas his home. He ministered to his congregation and fought for civil rights for all people in his community. Lynette Everett Minnie WashingtonSMBC in Waco,TX

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 1979

Second Baptist Church,at 1205 South Second Street, was founded in 1879 and had a Centennial Celebration in 1979. Rev. M.L. Cooper, Jr. was the Pastor at that time. This photo is from the Centennial Celebration photo book.

From the Waco-McLennan County Library.

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Austin, TX

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