Port Lavaca in Calhoun County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Saint Joseph Baptist Church

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

1. Saint Joseph Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. The Rev. John Nelson organized a congregation of the Free Will Baptist Church (Free Mission Baptist Church) in the coastal town of Indianola in 1872. Three years later, a devastating hurricane struck the Texas Gulf coast, inflicting major damage on Indianola. The Rev. Mr.Nelson and his congregation repaired their church, but in 1886 another hurricane completely destroyed the town. Many Indianola residents moved to Port Lavaca to begin new lives.

In 1898 the Free Mission Baptist Church members purchased a warehouse at this site and converted it for use as a house of worship. The name of the church was changed about 1900 to Saint Joseph Baptist Church, and following Nelson's death the congregation was served by traveling ministers. The church established a cooperative relationship with Mount Sinai Baptist Church, and the two institutions often shared services.

The original warehouse/church structure was replaced by a new building in 1984. Counting among its members descendants of its founders, Saint Joseph Baptist Church continues to serve the community with a variety of worship, educational, and outreach programs.

Erected 1992 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4454.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion

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• Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 28° 36.543′ N, 96° 37.267′ W. Marker is in Port Lavaca, Texas, in Calhoun County. Marker is at the intersection of South Virginia Street (Farm to Market Road 1090) and Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling south on South Virginia Street. The marker is located on the ride side of the front entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 811 South Virginia Street, Port Lavaca TX 77979, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Alice O. Wilkins School (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sunlight Girls Club (about 500 feet away); Jefferson Beaumont (approx. ¼ mile away); Wiley George (approx. ¼ mile away); Port Lavaca Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Mt. Sinai Baptist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Grace Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wood Barrels of Cement (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Lavaca.

The Saint Joseph Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

2. The Saint Joseph Baptist Church and Marker

The view of the Saint Joseph Baptist Church from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, August 30, 2021

3. The view of the Saint Joseph Baptist Church from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 19, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.