Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

A historic Baptist church in Downtown Houston, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was historically part of the Fourth Ward. Perhaps Houston’s most historically significant church, it was founded by two white Baptist ministers and nine former slaves in 1865 upon hearing about emancipation. Houston’s first black church, the original sanctuary was built a year later at a different site, but the current building dates from 1875 although much smaller than the structure it is today. Just 16 years later, the 1875 building had to be enlarged, and by 1936, it expanded again, gaining height, ornamentation and its trademark “Jesus Saves” sign. However, the original marble cornerstone remains, cemented neatly in place below the sandstone one that followed it.

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