St. Paul Baptist Church
This congregation was organized in 1870 by ex-slaves Bob Bennett, James Collier, Andrew Jackson, Elijah Lewis, Alfred Williams, Steve Williams, Henry Wilson, and their families. They worshiped first in a residence provided by Alford Williams, then erected a sanctuary in an area known as "The Flat." One prominent early member was Matthew Gaines (1842-1900), a former slave who became a minister, state senator, and spokesman for civil rights. St. Paul Baptist Church moved to its present location in 1911. The congregation supports a variety of community service activities. (1977)
30.1835° N, 96.9456° W
Where to Find It
Bethel St. Paul United Baptist Church, NE corner W. Hempstead and S. Dallas streets.
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi SE Bethel Union Baptist Church Giddings
- 0.1 mi W William Preston (Bill) Longley Giddings
- 0.1 mi SW Helen Knox Giddings
- 0.2 mi SW Robert Devlin McClellan _ Sarah Lewis Rainey McClellan Giddings
- 0.2 mi SW Henry Prentice Redfield Giddings
- 0.3 mi NE Shorter Chapel, A. M. E. Church Giddings