OLDEST - African American Church in New Waverly, New Waverly, TX
Posted by: 
jhuoni
N 30° 32.212 W 095° 29.377
15R E 261148 N 3380914
Founded in 1885, as Eastern Grove Baptist Church. Relocated in 1937, and renamed Western Grove Baptist Church. This is the oldest African-American church in New Waverly, TX.
Waymark Code: WMY6MG
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 05/01/2018
Views: 0
A Texas Historical Marker erected in 2013 tells:
Following emancipation, many African Americans sought a place to gather and worship, and they form churches. The Western Grove Baptist Church was formed was founded in 1885 and is the oldest African-American church in New Waverly. The church began as Eastern Grove Baptist Church before it moved to the west side of town. Reverend James Alfred, Reverend Joe James, Sr., and Deacons Dick Hill, Will Hargrove, Jack Burrell and Edd Bailey were instrumental in the church organization. One acre of land was given to the church on the east side of town near the International Great Northern Railroad.
In 1914, Reverend B. F. Briggs became Pastor followed by Reverend Abe Parker and then Reverend Briggs. In 1930, Reverend Lovelace Lewis became pastor and he, along with Mrs. Annie Herndon, organized the choir. Tragedy struck in 1936 when the church was blown down by strong winds. The building remain unused for a year and then was moved to the west side of town with the intention of rebuilding it. The church purchased land from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kmiecik and the name of the church was changed to Western Grove Baptist Church.
The new building was completed in 1937 under the leadership of Reverend J. Jones. In the 1950s and early 1960s, additions were made to the church including the choir stand, pastor study, choir room, and bell tower. The church was moved to his present location in 1958 when Interstate 45 was constructed through this area of the county. This historic church congregation continues to be a spiritual beacon of the community.