Del Rio in Val Verde County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church

Photographed by Brian Anderson, September 5, 2021

1. Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Organized in the 1920s, this congregation is the oldest surviving with origins in Del Rio’s African American community. Members first held service in the A.M.E. Methodist Church before securing their own property on Peirce Street on May 15, 1922. Rev. James Fennell directed this important step and led the Church from 1922 to 1958. Despite many hardships, the Church grew in membership and finances. The sanctuary was remodeled and enlarged in the 1940s. In 1974, the congregation moved again, this time to the former Grace Lutheran Church. Members continue to enrich the community in worship and service.

Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17541.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 15, 1922.

Location. 29° 22.285′ N, 100° 54.335′ W. Marker is in Del Rio, Texas, in Val Verde County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and East 8th Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 920 North

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Main Street, Del Rio TX 78840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country.

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: The Carter Family In Del Rio (approx. 0.2 miles away); Paul Kallinger (approx. 0.2 miles away); Operation Brass Knob (approx. ¼ mile away); First Baptist Church of Del Rio (approx. 0.6 miles away); City of Del Rio (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Del Rio High School (approx. 0.8 miles away); Glenn-Dowe House (approx. 0.8 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Del Rio (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Del Rio.

Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, September 5, 2021

2. Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.