Published: November 16, 2007 05:25 pm      

How ‘Sweet’ it is: Church to be recognized for history

By Raymond Billy

assistanteditor@jacksonvilleprogress.com

An institution that has served as a linchpin in the city of Jacksonville is taking its place among Texas’ historic landmarks.

Sweet Union Baptist Church, located on 302, N. Main St., will dedicate its Texas Historical Marker starting at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with representatives from the Cherokee County Historical Commission present at the ceremony.

The church has played a critical role in the lives of African-Americans since it was established March 10, 1887. It was founded by emancipated slaves who wanted a place of their own to worship.

It was formerly located near the present site of Jacksonville Baptist College and relocated to Main Street in 1900.

The church quickly began to play a crucial role in the civic advancement of Jacksonville’s black citizenry.

“The church really took the lead in teaching black citizens about leadership,” said Terry Guinn, chairperson of the Cherokee County Historical Commission. “It taught its congregants about social justice when there weren’t too many championing it.”

Horace Williams, who has pastored Sweet Union since 2003, said during its early years, the church served an all-purpose function for the black community.

“It was a support system that blacks didn’t have at that time. They went to church for emotional help because they couldn’t afford a psychologist. When they were sick, they asked prayer for healing because they couldn’t afford to see a doctor,” Williams said.

Williams is the 12th pastor in the church’s 120-year history, having succeeded William German. The founding pastor of Sweet Union was T.B. Johnson, who held the post for 45 years and is the longest serving pastor by decades.

Many of Jacksonville’s African-American dignitaries have been members of Sweet Union, including the late Councilman Harold Alexander and current Councilman Hubert Robinson.

The church continues to be at the center of political and civic discussion in Jacksonville, playing host to numerous leaders and forums on important issues.

“Before elections, politicians always make sure to speak at our church because this is where the people are,” Williams said.

The church also recently was host to a forum for Citizens for Schools and Community Advancement, the group that tried to rally support for a bond package that would have allowed a new elementary facility to be built in Jacksonville.

Although the church has become an important political force in Jacksonville, it continues to be a part of the everyday lives of all who seek its help. It offers affordable housing through its Sweet Union Apartments complex, which opened in 1968. It also continues to teach home economics, as it did during the great depression.

The church conducts a money management class, Biblical Finance, for children. The class meets place Mondays and Wednesdays.

Sweet Union has also played a role in the founding of new churches.

“We take pride in all of the congregations we’ve helped get started,” said Phyllis Johnson, who has been a member of the church for 40 years. “We call them ‘Sweet Union babies.’”

Ministers-in-training are allowed to cut their teeth at the church as well. Sweet Union offers students at the Baptist Theological Seminary in Jacksonville the opportunity to serve as Bible teachers.

In the church’s history, Williams said its most important constant has been that people can always call upon it for help.

“What has struck me most since I became pastor here is how much people still rely on the church,” Williams said “Even when people leave and become members of other churches, they know they can come back if they ever need help.

“The fact that we serve any and everybody is the unique thing about it.”