Beeville in Bee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, August 29, 2021

1. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. In the years following the Civil War and the emancipation of slaves across the country, African Americans began organizing church congregations throughout Texas. Early pastors served as circuit riders traveling to preach for several congregations each month. In 1884, the Moriah Baptist Church formed in Goliad and many of its early members had relatives in the Beeville area, where, in 1886, several families organized the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. Charter members included Matthew Broadus, Peter Flannigan, L. Broadus, Martha Bess, M. Peters, Salanas Davis and Edna Canada. With the assistance of Goliad's Zion Hill Baptist Church and the Rev G.C. Curry, the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Congregation began holding services in a schoolhouse donated to the local African American community by A.C. Jones.

In addition to permitting the congregation to meet in the schoolhouses, Jones allowed members to meet in other facilities he owned. Over the years, he also sold church trustees several lots across the street from the early schoolhouse meeting place. The congregation built its first sanctuary in October 1893. The white-frame structure with two towers was replaced by a larger, similar building in 1926. Since that time, two other buildings have served the congregation, which has continued to grow throughout its history.

Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church maintains a benevolent role locally and statewide through involvement with the Mount Zion Association. The church's programs include music, education and youth events, and members contribute to the community through support of St. Rose Cemetery and other causes.

Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14200.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1893.

Location. 28° 23.943′ N,

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97° 45.432′ W. Marker is in Beeville, Texas, in Bee County. It is on North Burke Street 0.1 miles north of West Corpus Christi Street (U.S. 59), on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in the church parking lot by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 North Burke Street, Beeville TX 78102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South Texas.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Jones Chapel United Methodist Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lott-Canada School (about 300 feet away); Lott Canada School (about 300 feet away); American Legion Post 818 (about 600 feet away); West Side School for Mexican Americans (approx. 0.3 miles away); Beeville War Dead Memorial

Photographed by James Hulse, August 29, 2021

2. Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church Marker

(approx. 0.4 miles away); Beeville Fallen Aviators (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Railroad in Bee County (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beeville.

The Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 29, 2021

3. The Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 723 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 3, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.