Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church
Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marker Inscription
As residents of the Fourth Ward neighborhood known as "Freedmantown" began moving to Houston's Third Ward in the 1870s, the need arose for a church to serve the spiritual needs of African Americans in the area. According to oral tradition, an itinerant preacher, the Rev. Wee W. Navigan met with several families in the summer of 1879 to establish a church in the Third Ward, which they named Jordan Grove. Subsequent pastors included the Rev. Lorenzo Williams, who served for two years, and the Rev. Jordan R. Lofton (1858-1936), who led the congregation for 48 years. Under Lofton's leadership, Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church built a sanctuary in 1893-94 on the lot they had purchased at 2017 Dowling. Destroyed in the 1900 storm, that building was replaced by a twin-tower frame structure in 1910. Cornerstones from each of these buildings are incorporated into the present church edifice on Anita Street. During the last half of the 20th century, membership grew to 1500 members; new educational and outreach programs gave Jordan Grove a strong presence in the community. Its pastors have been leaders in national denominational activities, and a number of its members have gone into the ordained ministry. An important part of African American history in Houston, Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church continues to stand in service to its members and the community. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
As families left the Fourth Ward's "Freedmantown" for Houston's Third Ward in the 1870s, African Americans there needed a church of their own, and in 1879 an itinerant preacher helped gather several families to found Jordan Grove. Under a pastor who led for forty-eight years, the congregation built a sanctuary in the 1890s, lost it to the 1900 storm, and rebuilt again. Across the next century it grew into a community anchor whose members entered the ministry and whose pastors gained national standing.
Why it matters
Churches like Jordan Grove were the backbone of African American life after emancipation, offering worship, leadership, and self-determination in a segregated South.
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Related people
- · Wee W. Navigan
- · Jordan R. Lofton
- · Lorenzo Williams
Related events
- · Galveston hurricane of 1900
Themes & tags
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