Weeping Mary Baptist Church - Weeping Mary Community, TX
N 31° 35.818 W 095° 09.447
15R E 295308 N 3497784
The deeply historic Weeping Mary Baptist Church at the Weeping Mary Community along the El Camino Real, in Houston Co. TX
Waymark Code: WMXMC9
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 01/28/2018
Views: 2
The African-American Weeping Mary community was founded shortly after the Civil War by newly-freed slaves. This church was built on land purchased by Nancy Lockhart and Emily Skinner, two sisters who had been born into slavery.
The state historic marker at the church reads as follows:
"WEEPING MARY COMMUINTY
Freed African Americans organized the Weeping Mary Community following the Civil War. Two sisters who were born into slavery, Nancy (Ross) Lockhart and Emily (Ross) Skinner, purchased the land on which the settlement developed. The community and church at Weeping Mary were likely named for Mary Magdalene’s weeping at the tomb of Jesus, though local folklore suggests other possible origins for the name. This historic area is located on a section of El Camino Real, roads developed by Native Americans and used by Spanish soldiers, pioneers and others throughout Texas history.
As with most communities founded by freedpersons, in Weeping Mary most residents engaged in farming. Many were employed on farms in neighboring Wallace Town. Others would later work at the Indian Mounds Nursery, operated by the Texas Forest Service, and in other labor-intensive jobs.
Children attended a school in the settlement by the late 1800s. The school had an enrollment of 40 in 1896. When it closed during World War II, students began attending school in Alto. Religious and social life centered on Weeping Mary Baptist Church. The congregation’s earliest structure was in Wallace Town. In 1957, a flood damaged the church building and members rebuilt it at this location. Weeping Mary Baptist Church continues to be a focal point for area residents, and remains active today, serving a community rich in heritage and tradition. (2008)
Marker is property of the State of Texas"
Service Times:
Sunday School 0945
Worship 1100
Wednesday Bible Study 1900
Website: [Web Link]
Church Address:
Cherokee County Road 2907
Alto, TX USA
Date Built: Not listed
Age of Church building determined by?: Not listed
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