Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
Marshall, Harrison County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After the Civil War many African Americans in Texas struggled to gather the resources necessary to establish churches in their communities. In 1874 a group of African American residents of this section of Marshall (then known as Hubbard's Hill), led by the Rev. William Davis, overcame a lack of resources and organized Jerusalem Baptist Church. Prince Monroe and Jacob Martin were selected as church trustees. During the pastorage of the Rev. Mr. Davis (1874-1888) the congregation constructed its first church building at a nearby site and organized a Sunday School. About 1890 a Baptist Training Union was established. The sanctuary was expanded to include a pastor's study, choir room, and a bell tower in the early 1920s. A parsonage was added in 1930. The congregation built a new sanctuary at this site in 1948. The congregation initiated several youth programs in the early 1950s including a kindergarten, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and a youth center. During this time the church expanded its women's missionary activities. The church completed renovations to its facilities in 1993. Jerusalem Baptist Church plays an important role in community affairs and continues to provide spiritual guidance for the community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1874, only years after emancipation, African American residents of the Hubbard's Hill section of Marshall pooled scarce resources under the Rev. William Davis to found Jerusalem Baptist Church. The congregation built its first sanctuary and Sunday school, grew through the decades with a bell tower and parsonage, and raised a new church here in 1948. By the 1950s it ran a kindergarten, scouting troops, and a youth center.
Why it matters
Black churches founded in the Reconstruction era were the bedrock of African American community life, providing worship, education, and leadership when little else was open to them.
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Related people
- · William Davis
- · Prince Monroe
- · Jacob Martin
Themes & tags
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