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Reconstruction & Gilded Age

Second Baptist Church of San Antonio

San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

Marker Inscription

This congregation was organized in 1879 by the Rev. Charles Augustis and 11 other ex-slaves who, althogth "freed", felt the linkage of slavery and were moved to establish a fellowship in which they could feel wanted as equal participants. Known as Macedonia Baptist Church until 1890, the congregation worshiped in a small frame house until 1894 whent hey moved to Chestnut Street. Baptisms were held in the nearby San Antonio River. An ornate Gothic Church Building was completed at Chestnut and Center Streets in 1910, during te pastorate of the Rev. I.H. Kelly. In 1968 the congregation moved to present site. Second Baptist church has been served by a number of outstanding Pastors, including the Rev. (Father) Ruben Anderson, a charter member and interim pastor; the Rev. S.H. James, Sr. Numerous business and civic leaders have been members here. Throughout its history the second baptist church has emphasized a program of Evangelism, education, worship, and fellowship. It is recognized for its community service, mission outreach, adult continuing education program, and tuturial services. For over 100 years, the church has played an integral role in the San Antonio Community.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1879, the Rev. Charles Augustis and eleven other formerly enslaved men founded this San Antonio congregation, seeking a fellowship where they could worship as equals despite the lingering weight of slavery. Known first as Macedonia Baptist Church, the congregation baptized members in the nearby San Antonio River and raised an ornate Gothic sanctuary in 1910. Over more than a century it grew into a center of evangelism, education, and community service.

Why it matters

The church stands as testimony to how freedpeople built enduring institutions of dignity and self-determination in the decades after emancipation.

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Related people

  • · Rev. Charles Augustis
  • · Rev. I. H. Kelly

Themes & tags

African American HistoryChurch

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