Gonzales, Gonzales County
Founded in 1867 on Brasco Lake in nearby Dilworth, Gonzales County, St. James Missionary Baptist Church was a staple of the early Peach Creek Community. Under the leadership of the Reverend Boyd James (1826-1916), the congregation of local formerly enslaved people worshipped under a brush arbor structure until 1879 when they began meeting at a newly-built school. In 1892, St. James bought land of their own. A church was built and rebuilt in 1962. The land has been used for church and community events such as Juneteenth celebrations. For more than 150 years, St. James has been a place of hope, enriching the community through veterans services, youth groups and spiritual guidance. (2022)