St. John's A. M. E. Church
Mexia, Limestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This church traces its history to the 1870s, when African Methodist Episcopal Church services were held for Mexia's African American population. The church reportedly was used as a schoolhouse during Reconstruction. The African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church of Mexia was formally organized about 1903. Between 1908 and 1915 it was renamed St. John's A. M. E. for Johnnie Lynn, a church member who became a pastor. Other notable members included church trustee Dr. S. M. Pollock, a Limestone County native who began a dental practice in Mexia in 1921. He served two terms as Mexia City Commissioner. The congregation thrived throughout the twentieth century. In 1994 a fellowship hall was erected. St. John's members continue in the traditions of their founders and predecessors. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
St. John's traces its roots to the 1870s, when African Methodist Episcopal services were held for Mexia's Black residents and the church reportedly doubled as a schoolhouse during Reconstruction. Formally organized around 1903, it took the name St. John's between 1908 and 1915 in honor of member-turned-pastor Johnnie Lynn. Its congregation included figures like trustee Dr. S. M. Pollock, a dentist and two-term city commissioner, and thrived across the twentieth century.
Why it matters
The church shows how Black congregations after emancipation served at once as places of worship, schools, and springboards for civic leadership within their communities.
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Related people
- · Johnnie Lynn
- · S. M. Pollock
Themes & tags
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