Saint Marys Church

Set against the backdrop of a burgeoning Houston in 1919, Saint Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church emerged from humble beginnings. A small group of settlers, finding themselves spiritually underserved in the West End, yearned for a Baptist presence. Two determined men, Brother John Dixon and Brother George Stubberfield, took action. They appealed to Reverend W.M. Jones for guidance. Reverend Jones, a pastor at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, answered their call. Together, they laid the foundation for what would become a cornerstone of the community: Saint Mary’s Baptist Church. Initially, the congregation gathered at the foot of Patterson Street. Just three months later, they moved to a more permanent location at 1901 Patterson Street. Their first pastor, the dynamic Reverend R.J. Jordan, also from Mt. Sinai, led them with passion and purpose for twelve years. He nurtured the fledgling church, watching its membership steadily grow before his own call took him to San Antonio. Saint Mary’s continued to flourish under several dedicated pastors. Reverend M.J. Steward, Reverend J.L. Lampley, and the twelve-year ministry of Reverend M.H. Hunter each contributed to the church’s development. Under Reverend Hunter, the church eliminated its initial debt and made significant improvements to its building. In 1942, Reverend J.B. Norman took the helm. He recognized the need for a larger sanctuary to accommodate the growing congregation. Land was purchased, and the vision for a new Saint Mary’s began to take shape. Reverend Norman served faithfully for a decade, ordaining several ministers and leaving a legacy of spiritual leadership. The year 1953 marked a pivotal moment for Saint Mary’s. Reverend C.S. Gunnells became the new pastor. Under his guidance, the dream of a new sanctuary became a reality. In 1964, Saint Mary’s moved to its current location on Eli Street. Reverend Gunnells’s 45-year tenure was marked by countless baptisms, weddings, and eulogies. He mentored and ordained numerous ministers, including his successor, Reverend Charles C. Davis. Reverend Davis assumed leadership in 1999, continuing the church’s mission of spiritual growth and community service. He focused on strengthening existing programs and establishing new auxiliaries. He dedicated over two decades to Saint Mary’s, serving as a spiritual guide and mentor. Then, in 2022, Reverend Charles L. Washington, Sr. accepted the call to lead Saint Mary’s. Known for his powerful teaching and preaching, Reverend Washington carries forward the church’s enduring legacy of faith and community service. Through decades of change and the challenges of gentrification in the West End, Saint Mary’s has remained a steadfast beacon of hope. It stands on the corner of Eli and Fowler, a testament to the faith and dedication of those who built it and those who continue to call it home.