CHRISTIAN METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
OF GILLESPIE COUNTY
Established in 1887, this church is historically known as the
Church of the Colored People of Gillespie County
Restore Preserve Protect
DISCOVER THE RICH HERITAGE
Step into the past and explore the historical landmark that is the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of Gillespie County, or the Church of the Colored People, and the replica of the original schoolhouse. This special site holds a significant place in our community’s history.
OUR STORY
A Journey into History The Church of the Colored People of Gillespie County is a historical and spiritual hub that offers insight into the lives of African Americans who lived and worked in Gillespie County in the late 1800s to early 1900s. This story begins at a time of struggle and perseverance when slavery divided the United States. Documentation shows the presence of slaves on Doss (Doff) plantation, the one and only plantation in Gillespie County. Established in 1849 by John Doss, who left his eastern life seeking the fertile soils of the Texas Hill country, Doss relied on enslaved labor to cultivate these new lands. Also on record, officers and soldiers brought slaves with them to Fort Martin Scott when it was established in 1848 as an Army out-post to protect settlers in this area from local Indian raids. A Testament to Resilience While the Civil War ended in 1865, many slaves of the South were not notified until 1867 that they were free men and women by executive decree. Some chose to remain with their former masters while others sought opportunities to farm independently. In Gillespie County, an estimated 10-12 families decided to stay and build a new life for themselves. These courageous families continued their farming endeavors and engaged in trade with the local German people of Fredericksburg. A Commitment to Education and Faith These families recognized that education and church played pivotal roles in shaping their future. In 1877, Charlotte Basse allowed a schoolhouse to be built on her property, on the east side of town, to educate local African-American children up to 6th grade. In June 1887, four African-American families joined together and purchased that property from her son, Oscar. At this time, they built the church where they would gather, worship and strengthen their spiritual bonds. That schoolhouse and church served the African American community for many years. Eventually some of those families moved out of Fredericksburg in search of better educational opportunities for their children and greater employment opportunities. The few families who chose to stay in Fredericksburg have left an indelible mark on the city’s history. Many of those family members are buried in the Colored Peoples Section of Der Stadt Freidhoff (the city cemetery). Proudly Preserving that Legacy Today, decendants of these original families are committed to preserving the structures that were built by that community in 1877. As 4th and 5th generation African Americans, their mission is to discover past histories, tell their individual stories and be included in the rich heritage of Fredericksburg, Texas and Gillespie County. This ongoing project will continue into perpetuity and serve as a beacon of inclusion, acceptance and legacies for decades to come.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church; The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church; The Church of the Colored People of Gillespie County; the Colored People’s Church; the little “white” church. Why so many names? From original congregants and local community members to a re-dedication and Texas State Historical Marker designation in 1976, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has known many names throughout the years. To help explain, the following story helps to layout a timeline of the various names the church has been known by. In June 1887, four African-American men: William McLane, Silas Russel, James Scruggins and James Tinker joined together to purchase the property from Oscar Basse. This property was to be used to build the church, a simple frame structure with a small steeple set atop a native limestone foundation. Those 4 men served as trustees of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. For context, the Colored Methodist Episcopal fellowship was organized on December 16, 1870, in Jackson, Tennessee, wherein several black ministers, with the full support of their white sponsors in the former Methodist Episcopal Church, South, met to form an organization that would allow them to establish and maintain their own polity, or governing body. They ordained their own bishops and ministers without them being officially endorsed or appointed by the white-dominated body. In 1954, successors adopted the current name of Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. As America transitioned into the early post-civil rights era, changes occurred within the local Black community in Gillespie County. Many members of the community began to leave the area in search of better economic and education opportunities. The decrease in congregation attendance led to a gradual deterioration of the church structure itself, resulting in visible signs of neglect over time. In 1974, Cora Phillips, widow of Paul Phillips Sr., a well-known Gillespie County veterinarian and church trustee, suggested restoring the structure for use by Youth Organizations United. Representing half a dozen faiths, the youth carried out repair and renovation work and gained national recognition for their endeavors. Dr. Robert Mosby, son of the black congregation's third pastor, the Rev. William H. Mosby, preached at ceremonies in February 1976, when the restored building was dedicated as the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Despite these distinctions, Fredericksburg locals often referred to the church as the Colored People’s Church. Ironically, in recent years, because of its white exterior color, you may hear the church referred to as the little “white” church on Main Street. Currently, the non-profit organization, The Church of the Colored People of Gillespie County, Inc. manages and maintains the church and property. While the church has retained the name of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, it functions as a non-denominational Christian church and is NOT affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. It holds that Jesus Christ is the Incarnate Son of God whose life, teachings, sacrificial death on the cross and glorious resurrection from the dead reconciled humankind to God, overcame sin and conquered death, procuring thereby eternal salvation to all who believe. Called by various names, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church welcomes all who enter our historic church in Fredericksburg, Texas.
HISTORIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
PRESERVING OUR LEGACY
We are dedicated to preserving this important piece of history for future generations. Through meticulous restoration efforts, we have ensured that this landmark remains an authentic representation of its original form, allowing visitors to experience its historical significance firsthand.
DONATIONS OF ANY AMOUNT ARE WELCOME
Special gifts received will be used to maintain the grounds, promote the history of local African Americans and hold services within the historic Church.
Future plans include a museum of artifacts and local African American history. The museum is to be an educational experience for all patrons.
501 3c EIN 49-5476880