Old East Dallas in Dallas County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Munger Avenue Baptist Church
Located near the railroad tracks on Central Avenue, Galilee Baptist Church was organized in 1894 by the Rev. A. H. Smith and a small group of charter members. In an attempt to block out noise and distractions from nearby taverns, members hung large rags in the church windows. Neighbors soon nicknamed it "Rag Doll Church."
In 1911, under the direction of the Rev. A. D. Hindon, the church relocated to 3407 Munger Avenue. Led by the Rev. Abraham Lincoln King from 1912 to 1917, the congregation built its first permanent church structure and changed its name to Munger Avenue Baptist Church. Between 1919 and 1932 the church expanded under the leadership of the Rev. William Lofton.
A new sanctuary was completed at the present site in 1940-41 during the pastorate (1932 - 1946) of the Rev. Bernard Byrd. The Rev. Brooks Ellis Joshua came to Dallas in 1946, and continued growth under his leadership included an educational building. Following his death in 1968 a chapel was dedicated in his honor.
This church has served the community with Sunday School, nursery school, worship, and outreach programs. Its members have played an active role in improving race relations in the city.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 6791.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion.
Location. 32° 48.046′ N, 96° 47.184′ W. Marker is in Dallas, Texas, in Dallas County. It is in Old East Dallas. Marker is on Munger Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3919 Munger Avenue, Dallas TX 75204, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Freedman's Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Alexander Mansion (approx. half a mile away); Temple Emanu-El Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); Colonel C.C. Slaughter (approx. 0.6 miles away); Moorland YMCA Building (approx. ¾ mile away); Greenwood Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); City of East Dallas (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dallas.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 621 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2020, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.