Glidden in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Olive Branch Baptist Church and Rocky Chapel School

Photographed By James Hulse, August 1, 2021

1. Olive Branch Baptist Church and Rocky Chapel School Marker

Inscription.

The Olive Branch Baptist Church was established in the 1860s. Charter members were Jeff Collier, Jim Shepherd, John Turbin, Jack Johnson, and Gus, Elizah, and Jim Smallwood. Begun several miles west of this site, the church moved here in 1896. The following year, the Rocky Chapel School opened. Built on property deeded by the families of James and Pothenia Smallwood, the schoolhouse remained in use until 1955, when the Glidden schools merged with Columbus. The early school and church reflect the rich heritage of Glidden's Black community.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15065.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 29° 41.843′ N, 96° 35.786′ W. Marker is in Glidden, Texas, in Colorado County. Marker is at the intersection of Taylor Street and Olive Branch Street, on the left when traveling east on Taylor Street. The marker is located in front of the entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 Taylor Street, Glidden TX 78943, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies.

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Rocky Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); Glidden Baptist Church (approx. 0.6 miles away); Glidden (approx. 0.6 miles away); Hebrew Benevolence Society Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); Columbus Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery (approx. 2.2 miles away); Site of the Camp of Gen. Joaquín Ramírez y Sesma (approx. 2.2 miles away); Colonel Joseph Worthington Elliott Wallace (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Rev. Jacob Scherer (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glidden.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 1, 2021

2. Olive Branch Baptist Church and Rocky Chapel School Marker

The Olive Branch Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 1, 2021

3. The Olive Branch Baptist Church

The Ten Commandments below the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 1, 2021

4. The Ten Commandments below the marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 176 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 5, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.