Our Story

Our Rich Heritage

Royse City Missionary Baptist Church

The First Colored Missionary Baptist Church received its authority and proclamation of organization on July 18th 1859. Originally workers were brought in as slaves, although many slave owners felt responsible for offering spiritual guidance. How formally the slave churches were organized depended largely on whether owners sanctioned them or not. Slaves on many plantations gathered surreptitiously because they were not allowed to have churches on their farms or ranches. The then slaves would pray for liberation and freedom. Congregations enjoyed the social aspect of baptisms, converting them into occasions for picnics and fellowship. But beyond that, Christian baptisms resonated with ancient West African water rites that were embedded in African-American culture. It was clear to all those present that God did indeed hear their prayers as they were answered in 1865.

As a more lasting gesture of this new free status, it was more important than ever to show separate new ideas as it was believed that they would never be permitted to exercise equal rights with white citizens at that time. After the Emancipation Proclamation, settlers came from Terrell, Austin, Temple and Pittsburg, Texas as well as Oklahoma in search of work and in search of a new life. Share cropping was prevalent in Rockwall County. Farming was the most sought after job in the County as farms grew from 526 to 1,090 by 1900.This marks the church in as the oldest black church in North Texas, and behind the First Baptist Church of Galveston’s First Africa Church. The founding date predates currently listed Ebenezer Baptist as 1860 and Antioch Missionary Church in 1868. Originally, Revivals were held in tents on the farm property. When free choice of membership became available most black Texas churchgoers became Baptists. Baptist theology, worship, and ecclesial structure drew large appeal to the now freed people. The informality of Baptist worship encouraged singing, shouting, and interaction with their preachers. Rockwall County was a central point of baptism as it was home of multiple creeks and rivers. The first building that housed the church was a worker’s shack that used on the property. The church was registered in Kaufman County as the church predates Rockwall County’s founding in 1873 and Royse City’s founding in 1885.

Most significantly, the church predates the Emancipation Proclamation on September 22nd, 1862. It is believed the church was amongst the first to celebrate Juneteenth on June 19th 1865. Services continued services in the workers shack and held tent revivals until 1906. Mr. Louis Rice became owner of the property and pastor of the church. He renamed the church in 1906 to New Hope Baptist Church. It was also during this period the church opened a segregated cemetery located directly East of the Royse City Cemetery. Which became the final resting place of Mr. Rice’s wife. In 1914, the first permanent building was erected. It is during this period that coincided with the increase of tenant farming. Governor Ferguson made this one of his platform issues. Then by 1930, Texas saw its largest increase in tenant farming ever which also provided the increased interest in the church. During the 1930’s, approximately 1,955 persons in Rockwall (or 25 percent of its residents) were black. Under the leadership of Rev B.B. Banks a building fund was started. Being that were no telephones in the early days the community was alerted of cases of emergencies or deaths by the ringing of the church bell. The Church bell still exists in New Hope Baptist Church to this day. In 1947, Rev J.E. Williams became the pastor and saw a sharp increase in membership and by 1953 the church saw It’s last major demolition of its church with a new building being built. John Pullen donated an additional building to New Hope which no longer exists today. A remodeling was undertaken in 1974. A new sanctuary was erected 1994. Under the stewardship of Rev. Raymond Claborn for 22 years. The church added a new edifice, paved parking lot, and educational building.

New Hope Fellowship Hall was built on land donated by Christine Meeks. New Hope has had several members that have had lasting impact on Royse City. One notable member was Earnest Epps, he was the first black man to serve on Royse City Council and served as Mayor Pro-Tem for eight years. Another person of importance was Earnestine Scott. She was the first black valedictorian for Royse City High School. Royse City has seen major changes since its inception in 1885 but, church has been a key to relationship throughout the county. The church and its message was there before getting the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, that provided for an increase of travelers before the turn of the century. Rockwall County had desirable conditions for farming. Sabine Creek was the primary water source. The dark soils are slightly acidic but arable and extremely fertile. Although Corn was originally the primary crop by 1866 it was clear cotton was going to be king. It became the principle cash crop that enticed people to come from all parts. Although by 1930, the Depression left an impact on the area work saw a decrease. However, this period saw significant growth in this church community. By 1950 Royse City had become the shipping point cotton and other agricultural products. The church has been able to provide worship opportunities to all those in need from the Civil War to today. Some church members also served at Camp Houston. A second wave of interest came when Interstate 30 was constructed just North of the church. The church community has adapted and grown with the community needs. Its leadership has been able to flourish through each major transition point in history. Currently, the church has been under the leadership of Rev. Stephen Grays for the past four years. They have begun a Church and Community Picnic annually. In September 2019 the church celebrated 160 years of worship. The church was recognized by city, county, and state officials. The church has extended its growth eastward with further expansion plans and a healthy growth in the church. Royse City has seen tremendous growth and is on target to eventually serve over 200,000 residents. Yet, 160 years later is still continuing the same mission in faith to this day.

Summary: This location should receive a subject marker based on it will be 164 years of historical context. It is important because the land and its event predate the county and city’s history. By all accounts is the first black church in the region and longest serving. The topic is undertold and the site is diverse. The integrity of the topic has remained. -Royse City Mayor, Janet Nichol

Location

Nestled in Royse City's heart, the church stands as a steadfast symbol of faith for over 165 years.

Address

801 E. Old Greenville Road, Royse City, TX

Hours

Sun 9:00am-12:00pm