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.
Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church. . 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.
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 • Churches & Religion. 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. Marker 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 Main Street, Del Rio TX 78840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.
