Here at True Believers Missionary Baptist Church, faith thrives. This church stands as a testament to community, resilience, and devotion. Let’s uncover some of the remarkable stories that have shaped this spiritual home.
True Believers Missionary Baptist Church’s story mirrors that of many churches. Controversy and change have always been a part of its journey. Music is a prime example. The debates of old echo in modern times. Older members yearn for the traditional organ music. Younger members embrace new worship songs. The choir robes have also been a point of contention.
Interestingly, similar debates plagued other Baptist churches in Houston. Even a century ago, musical preferences sparked disagreement. In the 1920s, many churches frowned upon choir robes. Instead, women adorned their finest clothes. They kept their hats on in the choir loft. During Easter and Christmas, white baptismal robes were used. The women added artificial white roses for a festive touch.
Let’s step back to the mid-19th century. The Baptist Home Mission Society of New York sent James Huckins to Texas. A Christian layman in Georgia donated $2,500. Huckins’ mission was to establish a church. In April 1841, the church officially formed. Twenty-two members were present. Elder James A. Huckins remained pastor for two years.
Other denominations already had a presence in Houston. Methodists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians were active. The Baptist congregation was small. They gathered in homes similar to early New Testament churches. Then, Elder William M. Tryon recognized the need for a dedicated building. Under his guidance, a church was built. It was dedicated in May 1847.
The church faced hardships. Yellow fever and cholera epidemics struck. Yet, the church persevered. It continued to serve and grow. This happened even after Tryon’s death from yellow fever.
Texas became a state in 1845. Rufus Burleson arrived in Texas as a missionary in 1848. He saw Texans as an “unreached people.” The California gold rush of 1849 lured many Texans westward. But Burleson remained. He served as pastor. He later became the second president of Baylor University. First Baptist Church played a role in founding Baylor in 1845.
The church endured without a pastor through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Disputes over women’s temperance arose. Disagreements surfaced regarding service types and music. Despite these challenges, the church did not fall.
During the 1880s, expansion led to some members leaving. This resulted in a high mortality rate for organized churches. First Baptist survived. It even helped establish three new churches. These were founded in 1891, 1895, and 1896. Many members came from First Baptist.
In 1880, First Baptist constructed a brick building. It featured a tower and steeple. The steeple rose 145 feet. However, difficult times hit the church. In 1900, the Galveston Hurricane destroyed the building. With $8,000, a new site was purchased. The cornerstone was laid in November 1902. While the church was rebuilt, they met in a dance hall.
A curious tale involves the church organ. Its whereabouts were unknown for years. Eventually, Houston dredged Buffalo Bayou. The organ resurfaced after 40 years on the bottom.
Today, True Believers Missionary Baptist Church continues this legacy. It stands as a beacon. It provides spiritual guidance. It offers community support. It welcomes all who seek faith and fellowship.