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.
Bethel Baptist Church. . 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.
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 • Churches & Religion. 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. Marker is at the intersection of South 16th Street and Booker T Avenue
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, 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.
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 110 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
