Historical Marker

West Beulah Missionary Baptist Church

Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

WEST BEULAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

During the “Black Church Expansion” between 1875 and 1925, the West Beulah Baptist Church was founded in a shotgun-style house that was common in the south following the Civil War. Rev. Sidney Farringdon was the first pastor, and conducted prayer meetings in his home. In 1912, property on Cedar Street was received for a building for worship. Rev. Markmon Harris served from 1922 to 1945. In 1945, Rev. Clarence H. Durden was chosen and he supervised the repairs of the old church building, as well as the addition of various facilities to the existing building. After an increased growth in membership, West Beulah was reinstated in all local, state and national missionary work. In 1965, an acre of land was purchased for the future site of the west Beulah Baptist Church, and in 1968, the church moved to the new facilities on Bigner Road.

After 32 years of worship at the present location, members decided to add new facilities and to renovate the sanctuary. Construction began in 1999 on a new educational facility and fellowship hall, along with other facilities to serve the church’s needs, including a library, classrooms and expansion of the choir and chapel areas. In 2013, the church voted to add missionary to the church’s name due to the church’s ministry portal, continuing its support of the foreign mission initiative in Africa. West Beulah Missionary Baptist church has survived flood, fire and relocation because of its members’ dedication to the church and community.

(2014)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

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.

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Jefferson County, Texas, has a rich history that spans back several centuries. It is home to the indigenous tribes who had lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers reached the area and claimed it as part of New Spain. However, it was not until the early 19th century that the region began to see significant settlement.

In the early 1820s, Empresario Joseph Vehlein obtained a contract to settle 300 families in the region. The land, once inhabited by the Atakapa people, soon attracted settlers of various origins, including Americans, Europeans, and enslaved Africans. The area became known for its fertile soil, offering ideal conditions for agriculture and ranching.

The city of Beaumont was established in the mid-19th century and quickly developed into a major trading and shipping center due to its access to the Neches River and the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked a turning point in the county's history, as the region experienced a significant oil boom. This brought great prosperity and transformed the area's economy, leading to the development of the petrochemical industry in the following decades.

Throughout the 20th century, Jefferson County witnessed various social and economic changes. It played a key role in World War II, serving as the location for significant military activity, including the establishment of one of the largest military shipbuilding centers in the country. The county also experienced desegregation struggles during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, which eventually led to greater equality.

Today, Jefferson County continues to be an important industrial center for petrochemicals and petroleum-related industries. It is also home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

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

  • 1836: Jefferson County is established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: The town of Beaumont is founded.
  • 1840: Jefferson County becomes part of the newly-formed State of Texas.
  • 1845: Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jefferson County becomes a county within the state.
  • 1858: A railroad is completed, connecting Beaumont to surrounding areas.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Jefferson County begins to recover from the war's impact.
  • 1881: The Spindletop oil field, the first major oil discovery in Texas, is found in Jefferson County.
  • 1901: The Lucas Gusher at Spindletop oil field erupts, launching the Texas oil boom.
  • 1925: The Neches River is first navigable by deep-draft vessels, boosting the county's shipping industry.
  • 1943: The Port of Beaumont is established as a major center for the shipping and petrochemical industries.
  • 1989: Hurricane Gilbert strikes Jefferson County, causing significant damage to the area.
  • 2005: Hurricane Rita makes landfall in Jefferson County, leading to widespread devastation.
  • 2017: Hurricane Harvey causes widespread flooding in Jefferson County.