Save Historic Church From Teardown

This Old Country Church Building  has stood as a pillar in Fort Bend county Texas longer than most of us alive today. Sadly the State of Texas has decided to build a new toll road right through our property wiping away this iconic and historic house of worship which has served its community for so very long.  A Fort Bend County Commissioner initially agreed to have the building moved, but has since decided the county will not be involved to move it due to difficulties of the process and a cost of $150,000.

The Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church was established by (4) former slaves just 11 years after slavery ended. The church is believed to be the first African American church in Fort Bend County. Emancipation was not know in Texas until 1865, two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed it into law in 1863. Initially they met from house to house to worship and they were soon inspired by God to organize this church. The church was formally organized in 1876, (139) years ago and in the 1900’s; the congregation was prepared to construct their first building.  When it was time to build the men went into the woods and cut branches and trees by hand.  The building was completed in 1925 using their own hands and money.

There have been only six pastors to grace the pulpit of the Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist Church.  For many years the original church bell could be heard from miles around each Sunday summoning Church parishioners to service and it is still in the church today along with the original pews hand built by one of the founders.  Now caught in the middle of overwhelming suburban growth this pure white church stands like a shining beacon in the middle of the glitzy businesses and incredible traffic surrounding it.  Despite the steady lines of cars rushing past the church weathered wooden front door and the constant glare of lights from nearby businesses, the wooden church stands as an old fashion monument among its glitzy peers.  Mt. Mariah, maintains a quiet air of dignity and members are determined to keep their promise to hold fast and tight to its heritage.  The church has wooden floors, no AC, but plenty of old fashion hand held church fans,  and there is an old fashion heater that provides heat. The church withstood the full brunt of hurricane Ike several years ago, but it left sever damage to its roof. A roofing company stepped in this past summer and donated a new roof to help us, but today we find ourselves in a fight to keep it from the wrecking ball. The great-granddaughter of one of the founders is an active member and she remembers wagon rides to church and can picture a pot-bellied iron stove which once warmed congregants during chilly morning services.  I've pledged to do all I can to raise the money we need to move it. With your generous help we can save and preserve this historic church and use it to continue to serve the community and God.