South Side in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 2, 2025

1. Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. In 1912, real estate developer H.H. Holmes platted the first development for "Sunny Side Place," later named Sunnyside. The community was far south of the developed areas of Houston, surrounded by cotton and sugar cane plantations. Many of the previously enslaved men and women of African descent stayed in the area after emancipation and took up residence in the development. To meet the spiritual needs of this community, nine residents, under the leadership of the Rev. Joe Edwards, came together in 1920 to form Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. This group named the Rev. A.E. Bell the first pastor, Della Gibbs as secretary and Velma Washington as treasurer. Services were held monthly with baptisms performed in Sims Bayou. The church soon purchased property at Stassen and Corinth streets. The first building, dedicated in 1928, had two entrances, a porch, and a baptismal pool which negated the need to travel to Sims Bayou. This structure lasted until 1941, when a strong storm blew the structure off its block foundation. In 1955, a new brick building was completed. In 2005, a new building was built. Over time, necessity

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dictated the church acquire additional property for parking.

The church's dedicated leadership included the Rev. J.W. Marshall who was first a deacon here before pastoring the church from 1939- 1989. Under his long tenure, the Rev. Marshall instituted many ministries and performed hundreds of baptisms and marriages. One of the cornerstones of Mt. Vernon has always been helping the community through numerous efforts, including food distribution, prison ministry, beautification projects, scholarships and youth- focused programs. Since 1920, Mt. Vernon has enriched the Sunnyside community with its outreach and spiritual direction.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23281.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.

Location. 29° 40.379′ N, 95° 22.248′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in the South Side. It is at the intersection of Stassen Street and Corinth St, on the right when traveling east on Stassen Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3618

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 2, 2025

2. Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Marker

Stassen St, Houston TX 77051, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Astrodome (approx. 2.4 miles away); Holcombe House (approx. 2.6 miles away); Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 2.9 miles away); Pioneer Memorial Log House (approx. 3 miles away); The Roy and Lillie Cullen Building (approx. 3 miles away); San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (approx. 3 miles away); Erected to the Memory of Henry Frederick MacGregor (approx. 3.2 miles away); Third Church of Christ, Scientist (approx. 3.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Major Richard William (Dick) Dowling C.S.A.

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(was approx. 2.8 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.