St. Paul Baptist Church
Giddings, Lee County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This congregation was organized in 1870 by ex-slaves Bob Bennett, James Collier, Andrew Jackson, Elijah Lewis, Alfred Williams, Steve Williams, Henry Wilson, and their families. They worshiped first in a residence provided by Alford Williams, then erected a sanctuary in an area known as "The Flat." One prominent early member was Matthew Gaines (1842-1900), a former slave who became a minister, state senator, and spokesman for civil rights. St. Paul Baptist Church moved to its present location in 1911. The congregation supports a variety of community service activities. (1977)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1870, seven formerly enslaved men and their families organized this congregation, worshiping first in a member's home and then in a sanctuary in an area called 'The Flat.' Among its early members was Matthew Gaines, a former slave who became a minister, a Texas state senator during Reconstruction, and an outspoken champion of civil rights and public education. The church moved to its present site in 1911.
Why it matters
Born of freedpeople in the first years after slavery and tied to the Reconstruction statesman Matthew Gaines, this church stands at the intersection of African American faith, politics, and the early civil rights struggle.
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Related people
- · Matthew Gaines
- · Bob Bennett
- · Alfred Williams
Themes & tags
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