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Reconstruction & Gilded AgeProgressive & Modern Era

Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church

Temple, Bell County, Texas

Marker Inscription

George Connor, a missionary elder of the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) church assigned to the Temple area, organized this congregation in 1883. A frame sanctuary was built at this site two years later, with Dock Lacy and Green McGrew as church trustees. A growing membership during the early years of the 20th century required a larger house of worship, and the present brick sancturary was completed in 1927. An important institution in Temple's black community, Wayman Chapel A.M.E. church has long been a source of leadership and service. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1985

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In 1883, A.M.E. missionary elder George Connor organized this congregation in Temple, and two years later trustees Dock Lacy and Green McGrew helped build a frame sanctuary here. Growing membership in the early 20th century led to the present brick church, completed in 1927. For generations Wayman Chapel A.M.E. has been a wellspring of leadership and service within Temple's Black community.

Why it matters

Founded in the shadow of Reconstruction, the church reflects how African Methodist Episcopal congregations became anchors of faith, education, and civic leadership for Black Texans.

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Related people

  • Β· George Connor
  • Β· Dock Lacy
  • Β· Green McGrew

Themes & tags

Nearby & related markers

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Cora Anderson Negro Hospital

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