Historical marker re-dedicated at Lubbock's Mount Gilead Church

In 1917, eight Black community members in Lubbock gathered for the first organizational meeting for what is now known as the Mount Gilead Baptist Church.

Now, over 100 year later, the Lubbock County Historical Commission Chair has given Mt. Gilead a second historical marker next to the church doors to honor the legacy it has maintained.

As the oldest Black church in Lubbock County, many have grown up in the church at 2512 Fir Ave. and seen its growth. The first historical marker was placed in 1984, but throughout the years, the marker deteriorated until they needed a new one.

Pastor Larry L. Polk led the church in getting its first historical marker and said knowing one's history allows the younger generations to become wiser and stronger.

"If we don't know what our history is, well we will have a great task of repeating that history," Polk said.

Because of COVID-19, the process for getting a new marker was not easy. Valorie Duvall, a leading member to the church, helped organize the second marker and ensure its placement.

Lubbock County Judge Curtis Parrish said in a speech to the church that the preservation of history is significant, adding that one way to continue the legacy is to speak with ones children and grandchildren about the history of the community.

New Lubbock mayor Tray Payne and Lubbock City Councilwoman Shelia Patterson Harris were also in attendance and spoke about how the re-dedication of the long-standing history is another piece of history. The plaque at Mount Gilead serves as one of 60 historical markers across the Lubbock County.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Historical marker re-dedicated at Lubbock's Mount Gilead Church