Kirbyville, Jasper County
Shortly after receiving news of their emancipation, former slaves organized Springhill Missionary Baptist Church in June 1865 with the help of Parson Bean, a white minister and friend of the community. Members built a log cabin for a church and school. Brother Peter Adams was the first Black pastor and brother Armstead Frazier was the first Black secretary around 1870. Trustees purchased 14.65 acres of land from M. A. Eddy for a church, cemetery and school around 1868. New church buildings were erected in 1942 and 1970 as the congregation grew. The church has served as a beacon in the community through its benevolent, cemetery and scholarship outreach programs.