Jerusalem Baptist Church
Historical marker location:JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
IN THE 1850s, MOST SLAVES HAD CONTACT WITH ORGANIZED CHRISTIAN CHURCHES AND AFTER EMANCIPATION A GREAT NUMBER OF AFRICAN AMERICANS BECAME BAPTIST BECAUSE THEY WERE FREE TO ESTABLISH THEIR OWN CHURCHES UNDER THEIR OWN GOVERNANCE. SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES HELPED AFRICAN AMERICANS IMPROVE AND CONTROL THEIR OWN LIVES. THE PRE-CIVIL WAR COMMUNITY OF EARPVILLE BECAME KNOWN AS THE JUNCTION WHEN THE INTERNATIONAL & GREAT NORTHERN RAILROAD CONNECTED WITH TEXAS AND PACIFIC TRACKS NEAR LONGVIEW IN 1872. DURING THE 1890s, A GROUP OF BLACK WORSHIPERS PURCHASED LAND IN THE JUNCTION ON THE BENJAMIN ESTATE. JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH GREW OUT OF AN ORGANIZATION KNOWN AS THE CONSOLIDATED BROTHERHOOD WHICH WAS A NONDENOMINATIONAL LODGE WHERE GREGG COUNTY AFRICAN AMERICANS GATHERED TO HEAR LECTURES AND BIBLE STORIES.
AS MEMBERSHIP GREW, THE ORIGINAL SANCTUARY WAS TORN DOWN AND REBUILT. TWO WINDOWS FROM THE ORIGINAL CHURCH WERE KEPT AND INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW AUDITORIUM AND ARE STILL A PART OF THE CHURCH. REV. R. B. BRADLEY BECAME THE FIRST FULL-TIME MINISTER IN SEPTEMBER 1942. UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP A PARSONAGE WAS ERECTED AND THE CHURCH ENLARGED. NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED GOSPEL MINISTER REV. S. Y. NIXSON SERVED THE CHURCH DURING THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT. REV. NIXSON WAS A SPOKESPERSON FOR EQUALITY IN EDUCATION AND HELPED END SEGREGATION IN THE LONGVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOLS. DURING REV. NIXSON’S 29-YEAR TENURE, THE EDUCATIONAL ANNEX WAS BUILT AND THE AUDITORIUM WAS BRICKED AND AIR CONDITIONED. JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH CONTINUES TO PROVIDE STABILITY AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN 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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In 1839, Gregg County was established as part of the Republic of Texas, named after Texas Confederate States Army General John Gregg. The county grew slowly over the next few decades, with agriculture and cattle ranching being the primary industries. The discovery of oil in East Texas in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Gregg County. The prolific East Texas Oilfield attracted oil companies and workers from across the country, leading to a population boom.
During World War II, Gregg County played a crucial role in the war effort. The county's industrial base expanded rapidly as several defense plants were established in the area. The influx of workers and industries contributed to the county's postwar growth and prosperity.
Since then, Gregg County has continued to develop and diversify its economy. It is known for its agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The county is home to the city of Longview, which serves as the county seat and is a major cultural and economic hub in East Texas. Today, Gregg County boasts a rich history, a thriving community, and a promising future.
Gregg County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gregg County, Texas.
- 1841 – The Texas Congress establishes Gregg County as a county in the Republic of Texas.
- 1846 – Gregg County becomes a part of the United States as part of the state of Texas.
- 1849 – The city of Longview is established as the county seat of Gregg County.
- 1861-1865 – Gregg County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many men serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1872 – The Longview and Pacific Railroad is completed, connecting Gregg County to the national railway system.
- 1873 – The first public school in Gregg County opens in Longview.
- 1930s – The discovery of the East Texas Oil Field leads to an economic boom in Gregg County.
- 1936 – The East Texas State Teachers College (now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce) opens a branch in Longview.
- 1980 – The Longview Mall, the first enclosed shopping mall in East Texas, opens in Longview.
- 2006 – The East Texas Oil Museum, showcasing the history of the oil industry in the region, opens in Kilgore.