Acres Homes in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church is located in the community of Acres (Acre) Homes, developed beginning in 1910 by the Wright Land Company. The company sold plots of land for low prices, making it affordable for many families. By the 1930s, a large majority of those living in the neighborhood were African American. In the following decades, Acres Homes experienced significant population and business growth.
The Rev. D. Hartman organized Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in 1913, with services held under a brush arbor. By 1915, the Wright Land Company sold land located at the church’s current site to church trustees, and members began construction of a new building. In the following years, under the leadership of the Rev. Jack C. Smith, members formed many auxiliaries and held traditional events such as Juneteenth celebrations, homecoming and the church’s anniversary.
The Rev. D.S. Bailey served as pastor of the church from 1947 until his death in 1977, and under his leadership the church experienced tremendous growth. Bailey worked with community, political, school and business leaders in Acres Homes during his tenure. In 1979, the City of Houston passed an ordinance changing the name of Sherwin Street, on which the church is located, to D.S. Bailey Lane.
As membership grew over the years, the church rebuilt several times, including a large sanctuary constructed in 2003. Galilee Missionary Baptist Church remains an important community institution, unifying and serving the residents of Acres Homes and surrounding areas.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13516.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 29° 51.592′ N, 95° 25.65′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Acres Homes. Marker is at the intersection of DS Bailey Lane and Burleson Street, on the right when traveling north on DS Bailey Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6616 DS Bailey Lane, Houston TX 77091, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Acres Homes Community (approx. ¼ mile away); Greater Ward A.M.E. Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Rest Lawn Cemetery (approx. 1.2 miles away); George Washington Carver High School (approx. 1.3 miles away); St. John United Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); Booker T. Washington High School (approx. 3.1 miles away); Independence Heights (approx. 3.4 miles away); Houston Heights Woman's Club (approx. 4.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 316 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.