Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church
Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This historic congregation began in November 1890 with a group of Christians holding services in a schoolhouse. Worship extended to prayer meetings held in various homes. Eventually the congregation purchased land at the corner of Pine and Prince Streets and established Evergreen Baptist Church with Rev. Dickerson called as the first pastor. In 1900, under Rev. Jack Rhone, the name was changed to Magnolia Baptist Church. Property for the current location was purchased in 1925 during the term of Rev. Jim Alford. Rev. Rhone served for a second term, during which the first sanctuary was completed. Rev. Ed Cannon, Rev. C. B. Baily, and Rev. D. C. Coney followed as pastors. Under Rev. Coney, a new education building was dedicated on December 4, 1965. As church membership continued to grow, a new sanctuary was completed and dedicated on September 6, 1981. The church’s name was changed to Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church on April 30, 1995. The current sanctuary was dedicated on May 15, 2011. Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church has supported missionary enterprises, home mission, Christian education and foreign missions. Through these efforts, the church has impacted its community, state, and nation, as well as reaching Haiti and Africa. The church supports local missions through its giving recovering addicts/others a changed environment, feeding the homeless, local nursing homes, prayer and family ministries. Since its inception, Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church of Beaumont has been a light and beacon for all. The church’s motto, based on 1 Corinthians 2:2, is “Jesus Christ only, always.”
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This congregation began in November 1890 with Christians worshiping in a schoolhouse and in members' homes, then bought land and organized Evergreen Baptist Church under its first pastor, Rev. Dickerson. Renamed Magnolia Baptist Church in 1900, it acquired its present location in 1925 and grew steadily across the 20th century, dedicating new sanctuaries in 1981 and 2011. It took the name Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church in 1995 and has supported missions from Beaumont to Haiti and Africa.
Why it matters
Magnolia's long life mirrors the enduring role of African American Baptist churches as centers of faith, education, and community service in Beaumont across more than a century.
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Related people
- · Rev. Dickerson
- · Rev. Jack Rhone
Themes & tags
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