Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Macedonia Baptist Church

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 6, 2015

1. Macedonia Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. The early community support system for citizens of color in Abilene included Mt. Zion Baptist Church, organized in 1885, and the first area school for Black children, which opened in 1890 with 22 pupils. Because of African Americans’ continuing desire for self-governed religious education, the Macedonia Baptist Church was organized in 1898 by the Rev. J.H. Herron of San Angelo. The charter members were Richard Hayes (the church’s first deacon), his wife Winnie Hayes and Jim and Alice Slaughter. They purchased property at this site and built a small frame building by 1903. These were sometimes violent years, and the pastors who followed calls to service in Abilene did so in spite of real fear of their own well-being.
     The first commencement exercises for African American students in Abilene were held about 1923 in the sanctuary of Macedonia Baptist Church. The single graduate that year was a member of the church.
     In 1936, a longtime member, H.D. Cumby, was called as minister. Under his consistent leadership the church was expanded and remodeled frequently, with the construction of an entirely new and modern building in 1951. Dyess Air Force Base, opened in 1956, greatly contributed to the growth of the church and its membership. The Rev. H.D. Cumby retired in 1965 shortly before his death.
     Macedonia Baptist Church leaders, long known for their involvement in the Abilene community, were credited with deflecting much tension and violence during the racially turbulent years of the 1960s and 1970s. The church continues to be a vital part of Abilene’s religious and community life.

Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12219.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 32° 27.327′ N,

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99° 43.662′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. It is on N. 7th Street 0.1 miles west of Treadaway Boulevard (Business U.S. 83), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Abilene TX 79601, 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: Abilene African-American Schools (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. William & Beatrice Butler House (about 600 feet away); Mount Zion Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mexican-American / Americanization School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abilene Negro High School (approx. ¼ mile away); James Winford Hunt (approx. ¼ mile away); Thomas Middlebrook Willis (approx. ¼ mile away); Claiborne Walker Merchant

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 6, 2015

2. Macedonia Baptist Church Marker

Near front entrance to church

(approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

Macedonia Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 6, 2015

3. Macedonia Baptist Church

View to West Along N. 7th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane Hall, March 6, 2015

4. View to West Along N. 7th Street

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 7, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 788 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 7, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.