Longview’s historic Black churches remain center of community
Pastors Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church, J.H. Creal of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Homer Rockmore of Red Oak Baptist Church, and Mark Stinson of St. Mark CME Church, on Saturday August 8, 2020, at the J.T. Smith Sculpture Garden inside Pelaia Plaza in downtown Longview. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
A painting of the original design for Bethel Baptist Church. Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
A program for November 20, 1994 celebrating the 120th anniversary of Bethel Baptist Church. Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Frank Williams, founding member of Bethel Baptist Church. Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Theo Grant, founding member of Bethel Baptist Church. Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
A letter from Texas Governor Rick Perry acknowledging the 140th anniversary of Bethel Baptist Church. Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Prominent member of Bethel Baptist Church Louis Armstrong. on Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Prominent member of Bethel Baptist Church Louise Brown. on Monday July 27, 2020 (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Brandon Owens of Bethel Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Homer Rockmore of Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Homer Rockmore of Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)
Pastor Homer Rockmore of Red Oak Baptist Church on Monday July 27, 2020. (Michael Cavazos/ News-Journal Photo)