HOUSTON – The historic Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, nestled right in the heart of downtown Houston, was founded by the first freed slaves in what was known as Freedman’s Town.
Earlier this year, KPRC 2′s Digital Reporter Moriah Ballard sat down with the current leaders to talk about their rich history and the journey from chains to the church.
Pastor Lou McElroy says that within the walls of this church is more than Black history, it’s American history.
“From chains to the church. I’m talking about what enveloped a people just coming out of slavery. Fresh chains and out of bondage. Upon their emancipation on June 19, 1865, seven months, it took them seven months to move from their chains to a church,” Pastor McElroy said. “I can only think how God must have been pleased that they offered the first fruits of their freedom back to him in seven months. And so when you ask, how can we as a church be around for 158 years? I think the answer is buried in their movement and the motivation of their faith that took them from the chains to the church in seven months.”