After being in existence for almost 150 years, it is evident that Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has a full, rich, spiritual history.  Baptist missionaries began working in Texas as far back as 1830, centering in Houston, which is said to be the Mother of Texas Baptist work.  By 1945, there were four hundred thousand Black Baptists in Texas, which led to Noah Hill being called to represent the Black Texas Baptist at the Texas Baptist Convention.  Among the four hundred thousand were those who lived in the small East Texas town of Palestine.

     Built in the setting of Palestine's Old Town, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church is said to be the second oldest Black Church in the State of Texas and is the first Black Church in the City of Palestine.  The Church history dates back to the year 1856 when many of the worship services were conducted in various homes.  Many of the members who worshipped at Antioch during those early years were the first generation of many offsprings who worked in Antioch down through the years as well as today.

     On November 19, 1873, John H. Reagan deeded land to Bristow Smith, Virgil Campbell, Thomas Hughes, Bob Johnson and their successors on which to build a Church in order to worship God and educate their children.  This land was located in Old Town in the northeast part of Palestine on Mulberry Street.  The Church was then formally named Antioch, but was referred to as Antioch under the Hill.

     The membership grew rapidly and this led the members of Antioch to an unsuccessful attempt at purchasing property in a predominately white are, but it would be years before integrated neighborhoods would be geographically and socially acceptable.  Determined, however, Hattie M. Davis and the women of Antioch selected land on Murchison Street.  Chruch trustees purchased it on July 3. 1885 for fifty dollars.

     On April 25, 1887, the members purchased an additional lot for forty dollars on Murchison Street for the purpose of building a Church  parsonage.  A small edifice was built by a Black carpenter, W. M. Freeman, and the cornerstone was laid on July 12, 1895 under the administration of Rev. W. M. Duncan.

     Rev. T. W. Dailey soon came to serve as pastor with a challenging future.  Under his leadership, much improvement was done, including adding a lower level with a baptizing pool, new pews were purchased, and a bell was placed in the belfry.  The ministers who pastored after him included Rev. C. W. Hill, Rev. J. D. Hull, and Rev. D. J. Crawford.

     Beginning in 1920, Rev. J. B. Atkins pastored Antioch for eight years and was assisted by Rev. David E. Swanson.  The architectural structures of the Church was completely changed under the leadership of Rev. Atkins.  A pstor's study and choir room were added to the upper level and a kitchen and dining area to the lower level.  The numerous growth was more than gratifying and the spiritual development of the Church was notable.

     Rev. Atkins passed away on September 14, 1928.  Following his death, Rev. G. R. King, a great gospel minister, came to serve as pastor.  Rev. W. G. Shephard who pastored 17 years followed him, and with a simple plan, the mortgage was paid off.

     Rev. M. S. Houston folled, and during his administration, restroom facilities and a drinking fountain were installed and a grand piano was purchased.  Rev. B. B. Brown soon came to pastor Antioch and Rev. James L. Bass served as youth minister.  Rev. Brown pastored for eight years and was instrumental in purchasing a Church bus and courtesy cars, building the membership, and strengthening the various departments of the Church.

     IOn 1962, Antioch burned.  Our hearts were saddened, but our faith was real.  All that still remain are the steps that led the way to Antioch and the grand piano.  Many fond memories are held of this historical red brick Church that so proudly stood atop a hill on Murchison Street, which is now referred to as Old Antioch.

     After this tragedy, the member worshipped in the Community Center on Garland Street until further plans could be made to rebuild a sanctuary.  Later in 1962, Rev. G. L. Mays became pastor and during this time the membership was increased through street ministry, a band was added to our Music Department, and many organizations became active.  On April 8, 1963, a lot was purchased to begin construction on a new Church building at 907 E. Murchison Street.

     In 1964, Rev. James L. Bass was elected to pastor Antioch.  Under his administration, the cornerstone was laid and is presently displayed along with the 1895 cornerstone.  A house adjacent to the Church was also purchased and remodeled for use as a fellowship hall.  Air conditioner units, carpeting, a public announcing system, new hymnals, mimeograph machine, and Hammond organ and pews were all purchased under the leadership of Rev. Bass.  A vestibule and nursery room was added to the sanctuary, and the Church as a historical institution.

     The administration of Rev. Bass lasted 23 years and in May 1988, Rev. Roy G. Duncan was elected to pastor Antioch.  Under his leadership, the Church has tremendously increased, both in numerical and spiritual growth.  With God's guidance and blessings, the indebtedness of the Church was, again, liquidated and we completed the Historical Landmark.  Renovations to the building include the Fellowship Hall adding the Spencer Room (game/youth room), Reference Library and Computer Lab, Pulpit area remodeled and Choir Loft elevated.  Other accomplishments under Pastor Duncan consist of the acquisition of several properties (including 6 rentals), installation of a concrete parking lot and Church Vans and Church Bus.