Historical Marker

Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
127 John Kay Road, Huntsville, Texas
( 127 John Kay Road, off of FM 247 North)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1871 when local businessman William Koehl donated one acre north of Huntsville for the establishment of a church for the African American citizens of Pine Prairie. The leading founders of the congregation were deacons W.T. Watkins and Matthew Bryant, and the Reverend W. Watkins. A small church building was soon constructed and was also used as the home of the Pine Prairie school. Church trustees later purchased two additional acres from William Koehl’s son, Herman, in 1901.

On June 24, 1978, the Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church burned to the ground. John Kay, a concerned neighbor, saved the church bell from the fire. The bell was later restored and is displayed in front of the rebuilt church. Congregation members worked hard to rebuild the church, and a building in which to hold services was soon located and moved to the church property. In 1991, a house was donated to the church and also moved to the property. Once renovated, the new building provided a new sanctuary, choir stand, pastor’s study, fellowship hall, kitchen, restroom and storage space; the entire structure was remodeled in 1999.

Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church was Pine Prairie’s only African American church for over 100 years. During its existence, the church has developed a youth ministry, a nursing home ministry and a prison ministry. An annual homecoming is held each fourth Sunday in August, and a church picnic is held each May. Through its community outreach and mission work, Harmony Grove Missionary Baptist Church continues to positively impact its community

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.

churches Baptist denomination African American
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Walker County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who lived off the land and hunted in the dense forests. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.

In 1836, Walker County was officially established and named after Samuel Hamilton Walker, a Texas Ranger captain who died in the Mexican-American War. The county became a hub for trade and commerce, with the town of Huntsville serving as the county seat. The early residents engaged in farming, ranching, and timber industries, which became the backbone of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Walker County played a significant role as a major supplier of food and provisions to the Confederate army. However, the county also faced its share of hardships, including raids by Union troops and the devastation caused by the war. After the war, Walker County experienced a period of reconstruction and gradual recovery.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Walker County saw significant progress and development. The expansion of railroads brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, and the discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted the local economy. In recent decades, Walker County has continued to grow and evolve, embracing modern industries while preserving its unique heritage and natural beauty. Today, the county is known for its thriving educational institutions, correctional facilities, and vibrant community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Walker County, Texas.

  • 1836: Walker County is established
  • 1846: Huntsville becomes the county seat
  • 1861: Walker County residents vote for secession from the Union
  • 1870: The Houston and Great Northern Railroad reaches Huntsville
  • 1900: The town of New Waverly is incorporated
  • 1936: Sam Houston State Teachers College is established
  • 1965: The Texas Department of Corrections is established in Huntsville
  • 1970: San Jacinto Mall opens in Baytown
  • 1999: The City of Huntsville celebrates its 150th anniversary
  • 2007: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice moves its headquarters to Huntsville