East Side in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Second Baptist Church of San Antonio
Photographed By James Hulse, December 30, 2022
1. Second Baptist Church of San Antonio Marker
Inscription.
Second Baptist Church of San Antonio. . This congregation was organized in 1879 by the Rev. Charles Augustis and 11 other ex-slaves who, although "Freed", felt the linkage of slavery and were moved to establish a fellowship in which they could feel wanted as equal participants. Known as Macedonia Baptist Church until 1890, the congregation worshiped in a small frame house until 1894 when they moved to Chestnut Street. Baptisms were held in the nearby San Antonio River. An ornate Gothic church building was completed at Chestnut and Center streets in 1910, during the pastorate of the Rev. I.H. Kelly. In 1968 the congregation moved to the present site. Second Baptist Church has been served by a number of outstanding pastors, including the Rev. (Father) Ruben Anderson, a charter member and interim pastor; the Rev. A.W. Smith; the Rev. I.H. Kelly; the Rev. W.S. Brent; and the Rev. S.H. James, Sr. Numerous business and civic leaders have been members here. Throughout its history the Second Baptist Church has emphasized a program of evangelism, education, worship, and fellowship. It is recognized for its community service, mission outreach, adult continuing education program, and tutorial services. For over 100 years, the church has played an integral role in the San Antonio community. , 2nd Plaque , The Rev. S.H. James, Jr. has served as pastor of Second Baptist Church since 1944.
This congregation was organized in 1879 by the Rev. Charles Augustis and 11 other ex-slaves who, although "Freed", felt the linkage of slavery and were moved to establish a fellowship in which they could feel wanted as equal participants. Known as Macedonia Baptist Church until 1890, the congregation worshiped in a small frame house until 1894 when they moved to Chestnut Street. Baptisms were held in the nearby San Antonio River. An ornate Gothic church building was completed at Chestnut and Center streets in 1910, during the pastorate of the Rev. I.H. Kelly. In 1968 the congregation moved to the present site.
Second Baptist Church has been served by a number of outstanding pastors, including the Rev. (Father) Ruben Anderson, a charter member and interim pastor; the Rev. A.W. Smith; the Rev. I.H. Kelly; the Rev. W.S. Brent; and the Rev. S.H. James, Sr. Numerous business and civic leaders have been members here.
Throughout its history the Second Baptist Church has emphasized a program of evangelism, education, worship, and fellowship. It is recognized for its community service, mission outreach, adult continuing education program, and tutorial services. For over 100 years, the church has played an integral role in the San Antonio community.
2nd Plaque
The Rev. S.H. James, Jr. has served as pastor of Second
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Baptist Church since 1944.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4628.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.
Location. 29° 25.204′ N, 98° 26.171′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in the East Side. Marker is at the intersection of East Commerce Street and Gay Blvd, on the right when traveling east on East Commerce Street. The marker is located in front of the entrance to the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3310 East Commerce Street, San Antonio TX 78220, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. The Second Baptist Church of San Antonio and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 103 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
