Mount Gilead Baptist Church
Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The organizational meeting for this congregation was held in October 1917 by the Rev. A. Wilson. Although early problems plagued the fellowship and many members left the church, a successful cotton harvest in September 1919 attracted more people to Lubbock, which helped increase membership in the church. Mt. Gilead has been host to the West Texas Association of Baptist Churches and has long promoted programs of music and evangelism. Believed to be Lubbock's oldest black congregation, Mt. Gilead maintains a significant role of leadership in the community. 1984
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Organized in October 1917 by the Rev. A. Wilson, this congregation nearly dissolved in its first years until a strong 1919 cotton harvest drew new families to Lubbock and swelled its membership. Believed to be Lubbock's oldest Black congregation, Mount Gilead became a host for the West Texas Association of Baptist Churches and a longtime center of music and evangelism. It has held a place of community leadership for over a century.
Why it matters
Mount Gilead reflects how Black churches anchored African American community life on the emerging South Plains, tying faith to migration, labor, and leadership.
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Related people
- · Rev. A. Wilson
Themes & tags
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