First Baptist Church, Lauderdale
Front
Originally known as Beale Street Baptists Church First Baptist Church, Lauderdale began in 1865 as the first black Baptist church in West Tennessee. In 1877, it split from Beale Street Baptists. Through a legal action in 1894, it was authorized to retain the original 1865 charter and status as the First Baptist Church. The first pastor, the Rev. Morris Henderson, focused on education, ethics, and racial harmony.
Reverse
Later, Dr. T.O. Fuller served as pastor. An educator, author, and advocator of racial adjustment, he organized the Inter-Racial League. In 1939, church officials utilized windows from its 1906 building when they relocated to this post-civil war site. Officially renamed in 1954 as First Baptist Church, Lauderdale. during the 1950s and 1960s civil rights leaders used the church to develop movement strategies.
Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4E 155.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1865.
Location. 35° 7.72′ N, 90° 2.662′
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Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Upper South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: T. H. Hayes and Sons Funeral Home (a few steps from this marker); Booker T. Washington High School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lucie Eddie Campbell (about 400 feet away); Martin Stadium (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Mount Nebo Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. John Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Owen College (approx. half a mile away); R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Also see . . . First Baptist Church Lauderdale. (Submitted on September 25, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 790 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 25, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
