Blackshear-Prospect Hill in Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mount Olive Baptist Church
The Mount Olive Baptist Church congregation was organized March 3, 1889, in the vicinity of Masontown, one of Austin's earliest African settlements. The early years of the congregation coincided with a period of intense optimism and community activism in the historic neighborhood (bounded by E. 3rd, E. 6th, Chicon, and Waller Streets). A number of significant African American religious and educational institutions were established in and around Masontown during this period, including Tillotson College (now Huston-Tillotson College), where the church's organizational meeting and early worship services took place.
In 1909, under the leadership of the Rev. J.H. Harrold, the congregation moved to its first church building at 1603 E. 4th Street in the heart of Masontown, changing space needs led the congregation to relocate to 1113 Leona Street in 1939 during the tenure of the Rev. A.H. Brown, and later to 1800 E. 11th Street during the pastorate of the Rev. H.A. Sneed.
Still located in an area of Austin settled early by African Americans, the Mount Olive Baptist Church congregation continues to maintain its historic ties to Huston-Tillotson College and actively pursues local mission programs in the community.
Erected 1991 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15031.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 3, 1918.
Location. 30° 15.985′ N, 97° 43.272′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Blackshear-Prospect Hill. Marker is on East 11st Street west of Chicon Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1800 E 11th Street, Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Blackshear Elementary School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tillotson College (about 600 feet away); Holy Cross Catholic Church and Community (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sailor from the Belle Shipwreck (approx. ¼ mile away); Texas Patriots (approx. ¼ mile away); Black Legislators Monument (approx. ¼ mile away); September 11, 2001 Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); James Edward Box (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,227 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on September 22, 2020, by Bob Ward of Austin, Texas. 4. submitted on September 13, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. 5. submitted on December 20, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.