South Central Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
South Main Baptist Church
The church grew quickly and with more than 300 members by 1920, purchased a new site for a temporary structure designed by architect Alfred Finn. Renaming themselves South Main Baptist Church, members hired the noted firm Sanguinet, Staats, Hedrick & Gottlieb as architects for a new campus in 1924. The design evolved, beginning with Spanish and Moorish influences, and was completed in 1930 with strong northern Italian elements. The congregation, having grown to nearly 1,500, dedicated its new structure in March 1930 with week-long services led by Dr. George W. Truett, a prominent Baptist leader.
The campus grew, along with the congregation, which expanded its outreach in 1955 with radio and television broadcasts of services. Following World War II, the congregation's commitment to local and national mission churches increased, and the church worked in cooperation with the Union Baptist Association.
South Main's many outreach efforts have included ministries for non-English speaking immigrants, with services in Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Cambodian and Chinese. With a library and extensive Sunday school and bible study programs, the multicultural church has emphasized education throughout its history, with a continued commitment to independent religious thought and community service.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14633.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1904.
Location. 29° 44.177′ N, 95° 22.952′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in South Central Houston. Marker is at the intersection of South Main Street and Colquitt Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. The marker is located in the middle of the campus facing the church parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4100 South Main Street, Houston TX 77067, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Houston Light Guard Armory (approx. ¼ mile away); The Houston Light Guard (approx. ¼ mile away); Louis Wiltz Kemp (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Blue Bird Circle (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gilmer-Cage-Cohn House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Waldo Mansion (approx. 0.3 miles away); Trinity Episcopal Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); San Jacinto High School (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Also see . . . South Main Baptist Church. Wikipedia (Submitted on November 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 48 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 5, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.