Object Type: Folder
In Folder: Churches
Photographs documenting Ebenezer Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection
Photographs documenting the First Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection. Now known as the First Baptist Church, the First Colored Baptist Church began as a congregation of formerly enslaved people and is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in Austin. It was officially organized in 1867 by the Reverend Jacob Fontaine. The location of the original church is now where the current Austin History Center building stands.
Photographs documenting the First (Mexican) Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection
Photographs documenting Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection
Photographs documenting Hyde Park Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection.
Photographs documenting Olivet Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection. The congregation was founded in 1928 and conducted services in the Mosby Lott building. The current building is located at 1179 San Bernard Street in east Austin and was designed by famed African American architect John Saunders Chase in 1961.
Photographs documenting Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection
Photographs documenting St. John Regular Missionary Baptist Association from the Austin Files collection. St. John Regular Baptist Association was organized in Austin, Texas under an old oak tree by Reverends Jacob Fontaine, Jessie B. Shackles, John Winn, Sr., Calvin Allen, Buffington and Horace Smith. Rev. Jacob Fontaine was elected as the first Moderator. Other officers: Rev. Nelson Scott, Secretary; Deacon William Scales, Treasurer. The total membership of the eight pioneer churches was three hundred (300). The association was named “The Travis County Association.” The following churches and messengers formed the organization: First Baptist Church (colored), Rev. Jacob Fontaine, Pastor; Jacob Addison, and Richard Williams; Gildon Creek Baptist Church, Walnut Creek Baptist Church, Rev. Jesse T. Shackles, Pastor, Henry Tweddle and Henry Brown; Gildon Creek Baptist Church, Rev. Jesse T. Shackles, Pastor; Moses Brooks, Henry Brown; Williamson Creek, Rev. Jacob Fontaine, Pastor; William Scales, Wesley Barrow; Webberville Baptist Church, Rev. John Winn, Pastor; Rev. Calvin Allen, Rev. Joseph Jones; Pear Valley Baptist Church, Rev. John Winn, Pastor; Wright Palmer; Union Hill Baptist Church, Rev. John Winn, Pastor; Antioch Baptist Church, Rev. John Winn, Pastor; Rev. Luke Jones. The first session was held in Wheatsville, Austin, Texas, 1868. The eight pioneer churches and the following churches were enrolled: Mt. Zion, Bastrop; St. James, Dogwood; Petersburgh, St. Phillips, St. James, Macedonia; Mt. Pleasant, Craft’s Prairie, Cannon; and Mt. Moriah. The following ministers were ordained in this session: Reverends: Jacob Adderson, Richard Williams and Anderson Johnson. The association adjourned to meet at Webberville Church, Thursday before the fourth Lord’s Day in July, 1869. The Travis County Association met at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in 1870. Antioch Baptist Church was host in 1871. Bastrop Church was the meeting place in 1872, and sessions were adjourned to meet at Petersburgh Baptist Church Thursday before the fourth Lord’s Day in 1873. In 1874, the association met with Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Round Rock Church was host in 1875. In the early years, the Travis County Association was known as “The Association on Wheels”, because it moved from place to place. Most of the places were in the rural, bearing the name of the nearest town. The words “On Wheels” was not an indication of rapid pace, but slow pace, traveling by horseback, horse drawn wagons, mules, and oxen. There were many muddy rugged hills and roads that families had to travel to reach the association. There were those who traveled on foot for miles and miles. It was a little step-up in pace when, after years, some traveled in buggies, horse drawn surreys and mules. In 1893, the late Dr. L. L. Campbell became moderator. St. John District Association was known to be the largest association for African Americans. Moderator Campbell negotiated plans for an Orphan Home and School. He purchased three hundred and fifty (350) acres of land, and in 1906, built St. John Orphan Home, but not without struggle. The St. John Orphanage, which was located in North Austin on a tract of land, where Highland Mall is presently located. Rev. Campbell was known as the founder of the St. John Orphanage.
Photographs documenting Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection. Established soon after Clarksville was founded, Sweet Home was the cornerstone of life in the early freedman's community for its residents and has remained an important part of Clarksville ever since. The church is a City of Austin and a State of Texas Historic Landmark.
Photos documenting Tarrytown Baptist Church from the Austin Files collection.
