Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

1. Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. Rev. Emanuel Henderson (c.1856-1913), an African American Methodist Episcopal minister, was a circuit-riding preacher between Brownwood and Groesbeck for the West Texas Conference of the M.E. Church. In 1902, citizens of the Bailey Addition met to officially organize Emanuel Chapel M.E Church. The congregation, believed to be named for Rev. Henderson, met at the corner of Beaver and Grove (later Bailey) Streets. Rev. John Walker was the first minister assigned to the congregation. Several of the first trustees were freedmen, including Spencer "Uncle Dick" Perkins, a former Mississippi slave and Confederate Civil War Veteran. The church built their first permanent sanctuary at this site in 1904.

To assist with community education, the church added a mission school building to their property. When the new R.F. Hardin School was completed, the classroom was used for community gatherings, music programs, educational lectures and celebrations of National Negro History Week. In 1946, a new church was completed. Youth programs continued as an integral part of the church's mission, with a youth center for after-school activities.

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At the groundbreaking ceremony in 1969, State Senator Barbara Jordan served as the principal speaker. The church has participated in and organized many community celebrations, such as Emancipation Day (Juneteenth) and Black History Month. They also helped establish and develop Cecil Holman Park, named in honor of a longtime civic leader. Through programs and outreach, the diverse membership of Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church continues to serve.

Erected 2020 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 22743.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1902.

Location. 31° 43.389′ N, 98° 59.421′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of Bailey Street and Beaver Street, on the left when traveling east on Bailey Street. The marker is located at the front corner of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 711 Bailey Street, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

Globally,

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

2. Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church Marker

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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rufus F. Hardin High School (about 700 feet away); Rufus F. Hardin Museum (about 700 feet away); J. A. Walker House (approx. half a mile away); R. B. Rogers House (approx. half a mile away); The Rev. Noah Turner Byars (approx. half a mile away); The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett (approx. half a mile away); Howard Payne University (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

The view of the Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church and Marker from across the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 30, 2024

3. The view of the Emanuel Chapel United Methodist Church and Marker from across the street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 433 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.