Burkburnett in Wichita County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Providence Baptist Church

Photographed by James Hulse, October 27, 2025

1. Providence Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. The first African Americans to this area were brought by settlers Mabel Gilbert and family in the 1850s. By the 1920s, a 3-mile square portion of the original township of Burkburnett was settled by African Americans and was known as "the Colored Community." Within its boundaries there existed a school, a cemetery and five churches of various denominations. In 1922, the Rev. T.M. Moore founded Providence Baptist Church, which moved to the corner of 6th and Floyd Streets on a parcel of land gifted out of the Lela Harwell Estate. A few years later, the members constructed a one-room frame building for worship. Under the early tenure of the Rev. T.L. Longmiles, who served the church from 1948-1981, this building was demolished and rebuilt. The Rev. Longmiles also focused on Christian education for both youth and adults. Another early leader, the Rev. Wade Johnson, assisted in the organization of the first local public school for African American children in addition to his church duties.

Since its beginning, the Providence Baptist Church prioritized service to the community. In the 1960s, the church supported area anti-poverty efforts stemming from the Federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. In the 1970s, Providence was the sole surviving church in the African American community and hosted many meetings and programs.

In 1972, with the financial support of the First Baptist Church of Burkburnett on land purchased from a local citizen, the church built a new worship center on the corner of 7th and Floyd Streets. For more than a century, Providence Baptist Church has provided a guide post of service and education to area residents.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23295.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1922.

Location. 34° 6.007′ N,

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98° 34.674′ W. Marker is in Burkburnett, Texas, in Wichita County. It is at the intersection of Floyd Street and W 7th Street, on the right when traveling north on Floyd Street. The marker is located at the front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 612 Floyd Street, Burkburnett TX 76354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

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 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: Booker T. Washington Elementary School (within shouting distance of this marker); Journey's End Cemetery (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Panhandle Oil and Refining Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1960 Ford Milk Truck (approx. 0.3 miles away); Charley Lee Coe (approx. 0.3 miles away); First United Methodist Church of Burkburnett

Providence Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, October 27, 2025

2. Providence Baptist Church and Marker

(approx. 0.3 miles away); The First National Bank of Burkburnett (approx. 0.4 miles away); Home of Monroe Dodson (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Burkburnett.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 30, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.