La Paloma in McAllen in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Bethel Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, April 23, 2023

1. Bethel Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. In 1936, when Eugene and Georgia Hubbard found no churches for African Americans in McAllen, they established Little Bethel Baptist Church on the corner of Fresno and 18th streets. It was named Little Bethel as Bethel is Hebrew for House of God. Rev. R.P. Allen was the first pastor, and Eugene Hubbard, Andy Williams and Will Earl Williams served as the first deacons. Despite the church's humble accommodations on Fresno Street, where there was no electricity or indoor plumbing, Little Bethel became the center of activities for African Americans of this area. In 1941, the church was renamed Bethel Baptist Church when they moved to this location, and built the new church themselves.

2nd Plaque
City of McAllen
Bethel
Baptist Historic Site
Established 1941
Is Designated a
Mcallen Landmark

Erected 2015 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18222.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 26° 11.531′ N, 98° 14.327′ W. Marker is in McAllen, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is in La Paloma. It is at the intersection of South 16th Street and Booker T Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South 16th Street. The marker is located in front yard by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1316 South 16th Street, McAllen TX 78501, 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

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Roselawn Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); We Remember (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of McAllen Hospitals (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bessie (approx. 0.6 miles away); Sacred Heart Catholic Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); La Piedad Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Asociación del Cementerio La Piedad (approx. 0.7 miles away); M & J Nelson Building (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McAllen.

The view of the Bethel Baptist Church Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse

2. The view of the Bethel Baptist Church Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 696 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.