Religious work done by the Texas Baptists among the Negroes in Texas from 1836 to 1873

Purpose: It was the purpose of this study to offer information (1) pertaining to the religious work done by the Texas Baptists among the Negroes in Texas between the years 1836 and 1873; and (2) demonstrating the attitudes of the white Texas Baptists toward the spiritual condition of the Negroes of Texas during the same period. Methods: The methods used to obtain data for this study were (1) published and unpublished books, theses, dissertations, magazines, and minutes of local churches, associations, and conventions; (2) interviews; (3) correspondence with Baptist leaders and agencies. Findings: From the evidence presented in this study the following conclusions appear to be in order: 1. There was considerable religious work done by Texas Baptists among the Negroes in Texas between 1836 and 1873. 2. The attitude of Texas Baptists toward Christianizing the Negro was exemplified by their accepting the responsibility for the religious training and betterment of the colored population during the entire period included in this study. 3. The concern which Texas Baptists had for the spiritual welfare of the Negroes in Texas was demonstrated by the patience and persistence with which the Baptists worked among the colored people. 4. A comprehensive perspective of the religious work done by Texas Baptists among the Negroes in Texas could be formed by further study in the minutes of associations and churches (both Negro and white), and in the records kept by individual plantation owners of the Baptist faith.