New Pathways in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
The Mount Nebo Baptist Church
Photographed By Steve Masler, September 24, 2015
1. The Mount Nebo Baptist Church Marker
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Completed in 1896, this Gothic church edifice was erected by the Grace Episcopal Church. Because the Memphis Housing Authority selected a site for public housing in proximity to Grace Episcopal Church, in November 1938, Grace Episcopal congregants unanimously voted to sell its building and adjoining property to the Mount Nebo (Negro) Baptist Church, also known as "Sack Chapel." Dating back to 1907, the congregation chose the Rev. Isaac Cotton as their first pastor. Located at several previous locations, Mount Nebo located on South Somerville,
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For a short time the members met in an improvised building using old sacks for the enclosure, thus the sobriquet "Sacks Chapel." The Reverends Abraham Henderson, J.W. Shaw, Roy Love, and James H. Joyner, Jr., followed Cotton, who named the church. Members of the Mount Nebo Baptist Church took possession of the Gothic structure in 1939. Under the pastorate of the Reverend Roy Love, the congregation's membership increased from 280 to more than 1,500 members.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 156.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion
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Location. 35° 8.072′ N, 90° 2.603′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in New Pathways. Marker is at the intersection of Vance Ave. and Lauderdale Street, on the right when traveling east on Vance Ave.. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Memphis TN 38126, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Baptist Church / Mt. Olive CME Church (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. John Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Blair T. Hunt, Sr. / Blair T. Hunt, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Universal Life Insurance Building / Universal Life Insurance Company (approx. ¼ mile away); Owen College (approx. ¼ mile away); The Hunt-Phelan Home (approx. 0.3 miles away); George W. Lee (approx. 0.3 miles away); It was a Struggle for Freedom For Dignity and For Equality (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Photographed By Steve Masler, September 24, 2015
2. The Mount Nebo Baptist Church Marker
Photographed By Steve Masler, September 24, 2015
3. The Mount Nebo Baptist Church
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 565 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 25, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
