Sweet Union Baptist Church
Jacksonville, Cherokee County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Former slaves, led by the Rev. T.B. Johnson, organized Sweet Union Baptist Church in 1887 shortly after the establishment of Jacksonville. Members met in a schoolhouse before erecting their own building in 1894. The church moved to this site by the early years of the 20th century. Members have historically been active in helping the community through educational programs and scholarships, by providing assistance to the needy, and by opening church facilities for meetings related to social, economic and political causes and concerns. Today, Sweet Union Baptist Church continues to be a guiding spiritual force for the people of Jacksonville. (2007)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Not long after the town of Jacksonville took shape, a group of formerly enslaved people led by the Rev. T.B. Johnson organized Sweet Union Baptist Church in 1887. They first met in a schoolhouse, raised their own building in 1894, and soon relocated to this site. Over the generations the congregation reached well beyond Sunday worship, running educational programs and scholarships, aiding the needy, and opening its doors for meetings on the community's social, economic and political concerns.
Why it matters
Sweet Union reflects how Black churches in Reconstruction-era Texas became not only places of worship but also the organizing centers for education, mutual aid and civic life.
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Related people
- · Rev. T.B. Johnson
Themes & tags
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