Longview, Gregg County
Following the Civil War, emancipated slaves established the Freedmen's community of Pleasant Green. On December 20, 1871, pastors Henry Moses and Charles Anderson led local residents in organizing a Baptist congregation. The Rev. Henry Mass served as the church's first pastor. Originally meeting on a small farm, the congregation moved to this site in 1884, constructing a frame sanctuary. Simon and Mealy Claiborn deeded the property to the church. In 1909, the congregation built a larger house of worship to which it made additions throughout the 20th century. Today, the church remains a central part of the historic African American community, fostering education and spirituality. (2004)