St. Mark Missionary
Baptist Church

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Marker No: 15688

Auluminum 18 x 28 Subject Marker

Geographic: 28.936394, -95.685692

Location: CR 162, 2 miles south of intersection with FM 521, Cedar Lane

Marker Text: In 1889, African-American settlers under the leadership of the Rev. Anthony Martin, a freedman, organized St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. Many of the church members were freedpersons and later became part of the Bell Bottom community after it organized in 1899. By 1919, the congregation began work on a permanent church structure here. The church is also associated with a nearby cemetery; the first recorded burial there dates to 1909. Throughout its history, members have cared for the needy in the rural communities of this area. In 1970, members erected a new sanctuary. Today, St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church continues to serve as a spiritual leader in Matagorda County. (2009)