HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded AgeProgressive & Modern Era

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church

Dallas, Dallas County, Texas

Marker Inscription

In 1884, Rev. A.R. Griggs (d. 1922) and Jane Johnson Calloway Endsley (d. 1933) organized the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church to serve the African American Baptist community of Dallas. After a series of relocations starting in 1907, the congregation settled at its current address in 1950. Rev. L.J. Taylor and his wife, Portia C. Ross Taylor, led the congregation during this formative period, and became instrumental for education advocacy in the community. In 2001, the church purchased additional property at 1607 McCoy Street to accommodate membership. Due to its longstanding legacy and vibrant membership, Macedonia continues to be an anchor for the Dallas community. (2015)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1884, Rev. A.R. Griggs and Jane Johnson Calloway Endsley organized Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church to serve Dallas's African American Baptist community. After a series of relocations in the early twentieth century, the congregation settled at its present site in 1950 under the leadership of Rev. L.J. Taylor and his wife, Portia, who became strong advocates for education in the community. Anchored by its long legacy and active membership, Macedonia has expanded its property and remained a cornerstone of Black community life in Dallas.

Why it matters

Macedonia represents the enduring Black Baptist congregations that, from Reconstruction onward, served as spiritual homes and engines of education and community advocacy for African Americans.

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Related people

  • · A.R. Griggs
  • · Jane Johnson Calloway Endsley
  • · L.J. Taylor

Themes & tags

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