WACO, Texas — On Monday, Oct. 16, Baylor University and the City of Waco honored the life and service of a special man who continues to leave his mark on Central Texas, Rev. M.L. Cooper Junior.
As Central Texans gathered around the campus, the university and the City of Waco rededicated and formally unveiled the street named after Rev. M.L. Cooper Junior.
It's all to recognize his life's work that goes back decades.
From 1958 to 1981, he pastored the historic Second Missionary Baptist Church near the north side of Baylor's campus.
In 2003, the congregation was relocated from M.L. Cooper Drive to a temporary home in the former Edgefield Baptist Church.
In 2004, Second Baptist celebrated the first Sunday service in its new building at Dallas Street and Herring Avenue.
His son, Marcus Cooper, says restoring the sign brings back the legacy and memory of not only his father, but also for those who once lived in the area.
"It marks progression," Cooper said. "We were here in 1981 shortly after his passing to put up the sign in his name. The City Council passed a resolution at that time naming the street in his honor. Because of all the construction and time that went by, the sign came down, but now thankful to Baylor University and the City of Waco, they have restored the sign and the legacy of the street. The sign is a great marker for what this university stands for, his legacy as a civil rights worker and for the church that he pastored for so long. We're very appreciative."
Not only does it mark progression for the Cooper family. Baylor President Linda Livingstone says this event is a milestone for their university.
"I think renaming the street is just a part of that process to recognize the importance of this church, the importance of it to the black community and Waco and frankly, to the history of Baylor since it was a neighbor to Baylor for so many years," Livingstone added.
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