St. John Missionary Baptist Church
Historical marker location:ST. JOHN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, ORGANIZED IN 1899 BY REVERENDS GILBERT GREEN AND HILLIARD R. JOHNSON, FIRST MET IN A SMALL BUILDING NEAR CALHOUN AVENUE AND LIVE OAK STREET. IN 1901, REV. JAMES B. BOULDIN PURCHASED PROPERTY, LATER CONVEYED TO CHURCH TRUSTEES, IN THE 2100 BLOCK OF BROADWAY (NOW BASTROP STREET). A SMALL FRAME BUILDING WAS LATER ERECTED THERE, BUT AFTER A STORM DEMOLISHED IT, A TENT WAS USED TEMPORARILY FOR WORSHIP SERVICES. BETWEEN 1907 AND 1915, A NEW SANCTUARY WAS BUILT WITH A BAPTISMAL POOL, AUDITORIUM, PARTIAL BALCONY, ELEVATED CHOIR STAND, ADDITIONAL ROOMS, AND A BELL IN THE LEFT TOWER THAT CONTINUES TO BE USED TODAY IN THE RIGHT TOWER.
IN 1917, THE CHURCH SPLIT DUE TO VARIOUS MISUNDERSTANDINGS, CREATING ANOTHER ST. JOHN BAPTIST CHURCH ON DOWLING STREET. AS MEMBERSHIP INCREASED WITH MORE PEOPLE MOVING TO THE CITY AFTER WORLD WAR II, A LARGER BUILDING WAS NEEDED. IN 1946, JAMES M. THOMAS, A LOCAL BLACK CONTRACTOR WHO BECAME HOUSTON’S MOST PROMINENT ARCHITECT FOR BLACK CONGREGATIONS, BUILT THE THREE-STORY GOTHIC REVIVAL MASONRY STRUCTURE WITH THE NAVE AND TWIN TOWERS EXEMPLIFYING 1930s TO 1950s LOCAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHURCH ARCHITECTURE.
ALTHOUGH ST. JOHN HAD MANY STRUGGLES AND GREW SLOWLY, IT BECAME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHURCHES IN THE EARLY 1900s, NOTED FOR ITS ATTITUDE TOWARDS CIVIC AND BENEVOLENT MOVEMENTS. IT HAS PROGRESSED FROM A TRADITIONAL SERVICE TO A SPIRIT FILLED, PRAISE AND WORSHIP EXPERIENCE AND CONTINUES AS AN INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN INSTITUTION
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.