East Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Eudora Baptist Church
Photographed By Steve Masler, May 22, 2015
1. Eudora Baptist Church Marker
Inscription.
Eudora Baptist Church. . Side 1: , Organized October 18, 1850 on two acres of land donated by Col. Eppy White, using the Greek word "Eudora" signifying "good gift" as its name, this church met in a log schoolhouse until the congregation's first structure was erected in 1851, its first pastor being J.B. Canada. Here, at what was then called White's Station, a larger building of wood-frame construction was completed in 1858. During the Civil War, the sanctuary was used as a Federal hospital. In 1866, the "Memphis Avalanche" newspaper held an ice cream supper to raise funds for the restoration of the church's interior. This wood-frame sanctuary remained in constant use until its demolition in 1964, with the present sanctuary being dedicated on July 21, 1968.
(Continued on other side). Side 2:
(Continued from other side). Of the congregation's many pastors, Dr. Fred M. Wood, Sr.'s service was significant for its length (1952-1983) and Eudora's unprecedented growth. Every church building except one was planned, built, dedicated and paid for during his tenure and church membership and Sunday School enrollment grew to its greatest number recorded. In 1973, the church proudly hosted the 99th annual Tennessee Baptist Convention. In 1998, Eudora was able to temporarily accommodate the Memphis Symphony and a Mandarin Church. The city's development patterns brought younger families back into the community and Eudora Baptist experienced growth once more. The church continues on its stated mission of being "In The Heart Of Memphis For The Heart Of Memphis."
Side 1:
Organized October 18, 1850 on two acres of land donated by Col. Eppy White, using the Greek word "Eudora" signifying "good gift" as its name, this church met in a log schoolhouse until the congregation's first structure was erected in 1851, its first pastor being J.B. Canada. Here, at what was then called White's Station, a larger building of wood-frame construction was completed in 1858. During the Civil War, the sanctuary was used as a Federal hospital. In 1866, the "Memphis Avalanche" newspaper held an ice cream supper to raise funds for the restoration of the church's interior. This wood-frame sanctuary remained in constant use until its demolition in 1964, with the present sanctuary being dedicated on July 21, 1968.
(Continued on other side)
Side 2:
(Continued from other side)
Of the congregation's many pastors, Dr. Fred M. Wood, Sr.'s service was significant for its length (1952-1983) and Eudora's unprecedented growth. Every church building except one was planned, built, dedicated and paid for during his tenure and church membership and Sunday School enrollment grew to its greatest number recorded. In 1973, the church proudly hosted the 99th annual Tennessee Baptist Convention. In 1998, Eudora was able to temporarily accommodate the
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Memphis Symphony and a Mandarin Church. The city's development patterns brought younger families back into the community and Eudora Baptist experienced growth once more. The church continues on its stated mission of being "In The Heart Of Memphis For The Heart Of Memphis."
Erected by Shelby County Historical Commission and Eudora Baptist Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1813.
Location. 35° 6.97′ N, 89° 54.386′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in East Memphis. Marker is at the intersection of Poplar Avenue (U.S. 72) and South Perkins Road, on the left when traveling east on Poplar Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4676 Poplar Avenue, Memphis TN 38117, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. Marker in relation to new church sign in distance
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 95 times this year. Last updated on May 22, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2015, by Steve Masler of Memphis, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.