Antioch Missionary Baptist Church facts for kids
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Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
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The church's exterior
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| Location | 500 Clay St. Houston, TX |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1866 |
| Architect | Richard Allen |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002038 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1976 |
The Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is a very old and important church in Houston, Texas. It is located right in the middle of Downtown Houston. This church has a special history because it was started by former slaves. It stands as a symbol of strength and community for African Americans in Houston.
For many years, the church was a key part of the Fourth Ward neighborhood. As of 2012, it was the only original building left from the Fourth Ward area east of Interstate 45.
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A Special Place in History
In January 1866, people who had been slaves came together to form Houston's first African-American Baptist church. They first held their church services outdoors. These outdoor meetings took place in a spot called the "Brush Arbor" near Buffalo Bayou.
The church community worked hard to build their first proper church building. This first building was finished in 1867. It was located at the corner of Bagby and Rusk streets.
The church building that stands today was built in 1875. Because of its important history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This means it is recognized as a special historical site in the United States.
A very important person named Jack Yates once served as the pastor, or leader, of this church. He was a former slave who became a respected leader in the community.
Its Location in Houston
The Antioch Baptist Church is in an area that was once a well-known African-American neighborhood. By the 1950s, the growing downtown business district started to expand. New buildings began to rise around the church.
Some of these new buildings include the Allen Center complex and the Hyatt Regency hotel. The church property is now very close to the freeway. It is also just two blocks from Sam Houston Park.
A Symbol of Hope
As of 2003, the church had a sign that says "Jesus Saves." A writer named Rod Davis from the San Antonio Express-News mentioned this sign. He said it was a reminder of the church's long history among the tall downtown skyscrapers.
He also noted that the church was still thriving. It was doing just as well as it did when Reverend Jack Yates was its first pastor.
The church proudly shares that the original pews are still used today. These pews were made by hand a very long time ago.
Recognized Worldwide
In 2019, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church received a special honor. It became a UNESCO Slave Route Project site. This means it is recognized internationally for its connection to the history of slavery and freedom.
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