Fourth Ward in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church
Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church has served as a vital spiritual and community institution in the Fourth Ward since the congregation's organization in 1915. The church has always met in the historic Freedmen's Town District, founded by former slaves after emancipation. As the Freedmen's Town District grew, churches became vital institutions, serving as centers of social, educational, political, economic, cultural and religious life in the community.
Mt. Carmel originally organized as Nelson's Chapel Baptist Church. The congregation changed it name to Zion Rock Baptist Church between 1918 and 1921 before first being called Mt. Carmel in response to a sermon in 1921. In 1937, members named the Rev. Robert T. Bingham as pastor. He ministered here until 1952, guiding the church through a time of growth and change. In 1940, members constructed a new building, largely through the pastor's efforts. He provided much of the new facility's lumber from his personal east Texas lumberyard.
Since its organization, Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church has aided the community in significant ways. Members started a food pantry, offered counseling to those in need and provided space for weddings, funerals and public meetings, as well as for worship services of other churches.
Today, as one of few remaining historic churches in the Freedmen's Town District, Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church continues to serve as an important spiritual and civic leader in Houston's Fourth Ward.
Erected 2007 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14032.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 29° 45.306′ N, 95° 22.718′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in the Fourth Ward. Marker is at the intersection of Valentine Street and Ruthven Street, on the right when traveling north on Valentine Street. The marker is located at the entrance to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Park at the corner of the park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1407 Valentine Street, Houston TX 77019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eli Noland (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); William S. Stilwell (about 800 feet away); Rutherford B.H. Yates, Sr., House (about 800 feet away); William Daniel Durham (about 800 feet away); Harvey Homan (about 800 feet away); Henry Livingston Thompson (about 800 feet away); Moses W. Brigham (about 800 feet away); John Richardson (about 800 feet 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 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 481 times since then and 116 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.