First Independent Baptist Church of Corsicana
Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A group of former slaves, led by Simon Perry, organized the second African Baptist Church in 1868. Following an 1886 storm that destroyed the sanctuary on Fourth Avenue, the members purchased this property and constructed a new building. In 1918 they completed the present structure. The church name was changed in 1929 to reflect the congregation's independence from other religious groups. Three area Baptist congregations, Wilgo, Harmony, and Sixth Avenue, were started by members of the fellowship.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A group of former slaves led by Simon Perry organized this congregation in 1868, in the first years of freedom after the Civil War. When an 1886 storm destroyed their sanctuary, the members bought this property and rebuilt, completing the present structure in 1918. The fellowship was fruitful, planting three other area Baptist congregations — Wilgo, Harmony, and Sixth Avenue.
Why it matters
Founded by freedpeople, it is one of the independent Black churches that became the spiritual and organizational bedrock of African American life during Reconstruction and after.
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Related people
- · Simon Perry
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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Former Site of Fred Douglass - G.W. Jackson School
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