Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church
Cooks Point, Burleson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1854, numerous slaves arrived near Cooks Point, led by A.S. Broaddus on a six-month wagon ride from Virginia. In 1887, many now-emancipated African American families asked Broaddus to help establish their own church. After the purchase of land near Cedar Creek for $6 on Nov. 13, 1888, Jerry Shorter was called as the first pastor, and Bill Waller, Polk Davis, Ephran Jones and Mason Bridges were ordained deacons. A small building was erected, and regular services began joyfully. The church was rebuilt several times and became the center of a community with a school, cemetery and store. The congregation continues to offer worship, fellowship and cultural heritage to the community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1854, enslaved people led by A. S. Broaddus arrived near Cooks Point after a six-month wagon journey from Virginia. In 1887 many of those now-emancipated African American families asked Broaddus to help them establish their own church, and after buying land near Cedar Creek in 1888 they called Jerry Shorter as first pastor. Rebuilt several times, Goodwill Missionary Baptist became the center of a community with its own school, store, and cemetery.
Why it matters
The church's founding by freed people just decades after their forced migration shows how emancipated African Americans built independent institutions of faith and community during Reconstruction.
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Related people
- · A. S. Broaddus
- · Jerry Shorter
Themes & tags
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