East Texas Baptist Convention

This regional convention was organized at Overton, Rusk County, Texas, whose purpose was “to encourage and foster the missionary spirit in our Churches and to develop the powers and resources of this section of the State.” The body adopted a constitution December 12, 1877. In addition to the Overton Church, some Rusk County Baptist churches participated in this Convention during its lifetime from 1877 to 1885 (at least Harmony Hill, Mt. Zion, and Henderson).[1] Though they sent no delegates, the “St. John’s (Colored)” Baptist Church contributed $3.10 to the convention in 1882.[2] At this time it is uncertain which St. John’s Church this was.

Over the years the churches in East Texas felt neglected in the state works, which was part of the impetus for organizing the East Texas Baptist Convention. Leaders in other parts of the state, such as B. H. Carroll, opposed it. This feeling of the East Texas churches was longstanding and ongoing, and in part led to a majority of churches in East Texas withdrawing from the Baptist General Convention in 1900 to form the Baptist Missionary Association of Texas.

In 1885, this East Texas Baptist Convention consolidated with the Baptist General Association of Texas, which in turn consolidated with the Baptist State Convention to form the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Below are two pictures showing the 11 articles of the Constitution adopted in 1877.

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[1] 1877, Overton; 1878; 1879; 1880; 1881, Marshall; 1882, Buena Vista; 1883, Longview; 1884, Tyler; 1885, Center.
[2] It is not clear which St. John’s Church this was. Several exist and have existed with that name.