Beech Creek Baptist Church
Beech Creek, Tyler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Georgia native James G. Collier moved his extended family to this area in 1852. Collier settled in the Beech Creek community and established the area's first sawmill. this church was organized in Collier's home by 8 charter members on September 24, 1855. The congregation accepted both Anglos and African Americans into its membership. African American Henry Gainer was ordained as minister by the church in 1867. Early worship services were held in a local school building and baptism services were conducted in nearby Mill and Beech creeks. The church grew with the area and in 1892 the congregation erected its first sanctuary here on three acres donated by James Collier for church and cemetery purposes. Church membership continued to expand, and in 1905 a Sunday School was organized. An additional two acres of land were purchased in 1955, and in 1969 a new building was erected to house growing educational and recreational programs. The church called its first full-time pastor in 1995. Beech Creek Baptist Church has historically supported local and regional ministries and continues to serve the community with various programs and activities. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Georgia native James G. Collier brought his family to the Beech Creek community in 1852 and built the area's first sawmill; three years later, eight charter members organized this Baptist church in his home. Remarkably for its time and place, the congregation welcomed both Anglo and African American members, and in 1867 it ordained Henry Gainer, a Black man, as minister. From baptisms in nearby creeks to its first sanctuary on land Collier donated in 1892, the church grew alongside the community it served.
Why it matters
An integrated East Texas congregation ordaining a Black minister in 1867 offers a striking window into the fluid, contested religious life of the Reconstruction South.
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Related people
- · James G. Collier
- · Henry Gainer
Themes & tags
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