Imagine you are walking down a bustling street in Houston, the Texas sun beating down on you. You’re lost in the lively rhythm of the city, when you stumble upon a piece of history. It’s a simple aluminum plaque bolted to a pole in the city. This plaque marks the spot where the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church stood, a church with a rich history spanning nearly a century.
The marker tells the story of Reverend James Harvey Makey, a man who called his neighbors together in 1879, igniting the flame of faith that would become the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church. Makey wasn’t alone in this endeavor. He found guidance from a respected leader, Reverend John Henry “Jack” Yates, pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. Together, they built a sanctuary, a place where the community found solace, hope, and fellowship. Makey’s wife Jeanette, along with Deacons Joe McConico, David Thompson, and Willie Hogan, played important roles in building this community of faith.
This plaque, however, does more than just tell about the church’s humble beginnings. It tells a story of growth and a constant pursuit of building up the community’s wellbeing beyond its walls. Through the generations, each pastor – Reverend Joseph Patience Churchwell, Reverend David Leon Everett II – continued to build upon the foundation laid by Makey, enriching the surrounding neighborhood.
Today, the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church still stands tall, a symbol of unwavering faith and community engagement. This plaque is a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who came before, and the enduring legacy of their faith. It reminds us that even in the heart of a bustling city, a simple plaque can hold a powerful story, a story of faith, community and a shared history.