Fourth Missionary Baptist Church

Can you imagine a church that has risen from the ashes not once, but twice? This is the story of Fourth Missionary Baptist Church. Right here on Webster Street, this church stands as a testament to the power of faith and resilience. Fourth Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history, deeply intertwined with the growth of Houston. It began humbly in 1877 as Watts Chapel, founded by Reverend Henry Watts, a newcomer from South Carolina. The first services were held in a simple building on Commerce Street. By 1883, the congregation had grown, prompting a move to West Broadway. A year later, they officially adopted the name Fourth Missionary Baptist Church. The church’s journey wasn’t without trials. A devastating storm in 1900 destroyed their building at Dowling and Lamar. Undeterred, they rebuilt. Tragedy struck again in 1910, this time a fire reducing their church to ashes. Again, they rose. Under the leadership of Reverend Alex H. Branch, the church found a new home on Pierce Avenue in 1927. Upon his passing in 1932, his son, Elridge Stanley Branch, took the reins. It was during his tenure, in 1946, that Fourth Missionary Baptist Church moved to its current location. This era marked significant growth. They established a kindergarten in 1941, a rarity among Black churches at the time. They also ran a well-baby clinic, food clinics, and Christmas programs for the needy, solidifying their role as a community pillar. Fourth Missionary Baptist Church also extended its reach globally. They worked with a Baptist church in Panama and ministered in Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad, and the Philippines. In 1968, they broke barriers by becoming the first Black church to join the Union Baptist Association, a pivotal moment in church integration in Texas. Fourth Missionary Baptist Church continued to evolve. It initiated programs like the “Dial-A-Prayer Line,” bus ministries, and a computer room. The church even ventured into radio broadcasting, spreading its message far and wide. The church underwent several renovations, always striving to improve its facilities for its members and the community. The Fourth Missionary Baptist Church stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, a testament to a congregation’s enduring faith. From humble beginnings to a leading Christian institution, its impact on Houston is undeniable.