Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
Robstown, Nueces County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Soon after Riley and Ella Mays moved with their 12 children to Robstown in 1917, they and the Ira Collier family worked to organize this congregation. The first worship service was held in September 1918 in a Robstown school building, and the name given to the church was Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Association, a regional denominational organization, provided pastors for the new congregation during its formative years. The Rev. C. B. Baycoat was the first minister called by the congregation, and he preached two Sundays a month. As new families joined Mt. Zion, a Sunday school was organized, and the congregation constructed its first sanctuary in 1930. By 1950, membership had grown sufficiently to require the ministry of a full-time pastor, and the Rev. D. L. Everett was called to that position. During his tenure, a new building was completed. In the latter half of the 20th century, leadership on the part of both ordained and lay members continued to inspire growth and development. A third building was constructed in 1965, and the Phyllis Wheatley School was purchased and renovated to create an activity center for the congregation. Throughout its history, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church has focused on its commitment to outreach, education and community assistance. It remains a significant part of Robstown's cultural heritage. (2001)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Shortly after Riley and Ella Mays brought their twelve children to Robstown in 1917, they and the Ira Collier family gathered neighbors to found Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, holding its first service in a schoolhouse in 1918. Regional Baptist leaders supplied early pastors before the congregation called the Rev. C. B. Baycoat, and the church raised its first sanctuary in 1930 and a full-time ministry by 1950. Later decades brought new buildings and the purchase of the Phyllis Wheatley School as a community activity center.
Why it matters
Mt. Zion reflects the central role of the Black Baptist church in South Texas African American life, serving as a wellspring of worship, education, and community support across the twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Riley Mays
- · Ella Mays
- · Rev. C. B. Baycoat
- · Rev. D. L. Everett
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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