Picture this a weathered plaque standing tall. It’s the St John Church Plaque in Austin Texas. This unassuming marker holds a story. It whispers of resilience faith and community. It speaks of a journey. A journey spanning generations.
The St John Regular Missionary Baptist District Association began in 1867. Just two years after the Civil War. Four ministers met under a large oak tree. This was in Wheatsville Austin Texas. They decided to divide Texas into four Baptist associations. The St John Regular Baptist Association was one of them. It was formed under that same old oak tree. Reverends Jacob Fontaine Jessie B Shackles John Winn Sr Calvin Allen Buffington and Horace Smith founded it. Rev Jacob Fontaine became the first moderator.
The association’s early years were challenging. They met under the open sky. They traveled from place to place by horse wagon mule and even on foot. This was the Association on Wheels. Imagine the hardships these families faced. Imagine the muddy roads and the rugged hills. Yet they persevered. Their faith was their strength.
The name changed from the Travis County Association to the St John Regular Missionary Baptist Association. This happened after Rev J H Winn Sr led a group to Caldwell County. They established the St John Colony. The St John Regular Missionary Baptist Association flourished. It became one of the largest African American associations. Dr L L Campbell became moderator in 1893. He established the St John Orphan Home and St John Institute. These provided education and care for orphans.
The association faced many struggles. There was a period of internal unrest and legal issues. There were also financial hardships. The orphanage was eventually closed. Despite these difficulties the association persevered. A new era began in 1956. A new tabernacle was built in 1958.
The St John Church Plaque commemorates this remarkable history. It represents the faith perseverance and community spirit of generations. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of St John. It’s a reminder of a remarkable journey. A journey of faith resilience and community. It’s a story etched in time. A story worth remembering. A story told by the St John Church Plaque.