A brick church called the first in Texas built by Black Texans
In 1891 the Bethlehem Baptist congregation built a church on West Front Street that Tyler’s National Register documents, citing the City of Tyler, call (in one case “reportedly”) the first brick church in Texas built by African Americans.
Note
The National Register documents cite the City of Tyler, one of them with “reportedly.” The building is gone; the congregation moved to West Lollar Street and built there in 1933.
Sources
- National Register Multiple Property Documentation Form: Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas (Diane E. Williams, 2000; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.gov
Bethlehem Baptist membership erected a new church on West Front Street, the first brick church in Texas to be built by African Americans (City ofTyler c).
The first Baptist congregation was Bethlehem First Baptist, founded after the war
This congregation first worshiped in the basement of the Smith County Courthouse.
In 1891 the ... Bethlehem Baptist membership erected a new church on West Front Street, the first brick church in Texas to be built by African Americans
A new church was built in 1933 on West Lollar
- National Register nomination: St. James Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (NR 04000887, 2004; THC Atlas)atlas.thc.texas.gov
In 1891 the Bethlehem Baptist membership erected a new church on West Front Street, reportedly the first brick church in Texas to be built by African Americans
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed