Save New Liberty Baptist Church, Garrison, TX

Former slaves founded New Liberty Baptist Church and cemetery in Garrison, Texas 123 years ago in 1900. The original church building was condemned and demolished two years ago. The church remained closed during the pandemic and is currently raising funds for the rebuilding, refurnishing, and reopening.

Community and family members of the original owners of the church property, Charlie and Emaline (Miles) Bryant, are coming together to restore this historic church and cemetery where many former slaves and their descendants are buried--Bryants, Tatums, Hartsfields, Williams, Tutt, Yarbrough, and more.

Charlie was lynched and Emaline kidnapped in the 1930s in what may have been a battle over their property. Emaline was also kidnapped in 1849 at age nine when slavers brought her from Africa to America in an illegal ship after the TransAtlantic Slave Trade was outlawed. We want to do our best to ensure that their legacy continues.

Will you help us raise $10,000 to help buy the construction materials needed to start the work of rebuilding, refurnishing, and reopening the church? We are hoping for a great Christmas present to raise the funds needed by Dec 31, 2023.

We are asking for at least $18, $49, or $1,849 to remember the year Emaline was brought here from Africa in 1849. Other major gifts are also needed to reach our goal over the next three months.

Thank you for your support and God bless you.

Deacon Elmer Barnes

(Bryant family member)

New Liberty Baptist Church

(originally Egypt Baptist Church)

Note:

According to the IRS, "Some organizations, such as churches or governments, may be qualified to receive (tax) deductible contributions even though they are not listed on IRS.gov."