Historical Marker

Pleasant Green Baptist Church

Historical marker location:

9270 FM 349, Longview, Texas

( 9270 FM 349)

Following the Civil War, emancipated slaves established the Freedmen's community of Pleasant Green. On December 20, 1871, pastors Henry Moses and Charles Anderson led local residents in organizing a Baptist congregation. The Rev. Henry Mass served as the church's first pastor. Originally meeting on a small farm, the congregation moved to this site in 1884, constructing a frame sanctuary. Simon and Mealy Claiborn deeded the property to the church. In 1909, the congregation built a larger house of worship to which it made additions throughout the 20th century. Today, the church remains a central part of the historic African American community, fostering education and spirituality. (2004).