Saint James Second Street Baptist Church
historic place
The Saint James Second Street Baptist Church is a historic place in Fort Worth, Tarrant County. The congregation was founded in 1895 by Reverend J. Francis Robinson, with members from Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. They initially met in the local Y.M.C.A. building. Construction of this red brick church began in 1913. Services were held in the basement until the sanctuary was completed in 1918. Architect Frank J. Singleton designed the building in a Gothic Revival style. African-American contractor George R. Powell built the south wing, and B.G. Rhodes constructed the north wing. For many years, the church hosted graduation ceremonies for I.M. Terrell High School, serving the African American community. The church was designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1986. It was then added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. This site represents a significant aspect of Fort Worth's African American history and architectural heritage.