It's no secret that churches have historically been known as places of refuge and worship.
However, Black churches, more specifically were founded and created out of protest and a reaction to racism.
Time Magazine says that during segregation,"Black Christians were fighting on two fronts: against a white supremacist society that denied their rights as citizens and against a church that often denied their rights as members."
Founded in 1880, Boynton had its first service in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Burr with the eight founding members when the church was then known as Boynton Methodist Episcopal Church.
Word spread quickly about the ministry of Boynton, and the church continued to grow in congregation size. By January 5th, 1958, the current chapel was dedicated and completed in the heart of Third Ward Houston on the corner of Milby and Tuam.
In 2024, the current pastor, Rev. Linda Davis, leads the church in celebrating its 144 years of worship and commitment to serving the community. From donation drives to decades of community service, the church continues to be a safe beacon of hope for believers and those looking for a helping hand in the community.
A Texas Historical Landmark, the history of Boynton is evident in its creation and design. The architecture of the church is work done by none other than John S. Chase, the states first licensed Black architect.
According to the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), projects designed by John S. Chase include Delta Sigma Theta National Headquarters, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. School of Humanities at Texas Southern University, just to name a few.
History is everywhere, especially in religious sanctuaries.
This Black History Month, explore the depth of what Black history truly means and how we can share what we learn with others to create a more equitable society.
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