Last updated on June 17, 2024
Rockwall, TX-June 17, 2024 – An official Texas Historical Marker for New Hope Baptist Church, in Royse City, will be installed on Wednesday, June 19th at 7 PM. The Church’s membership has primarily been composed of African Americans, which gives the approval of the Historical Marker on this Juneteenth special significance. New Hope acquired its initial property at 801 Old Greenville Road in Royse City in 1868 and the church was formed the following year.
The Church is now led by Reverend Stephen Grays, the most recent speaker during the Sheri Stodgill Lecture Series at the Historic County Courthouse. Pastor Grays spoke about his childhood memories of Juneteenth, his career as a history teacher, music minister and pastor, as well as the history of New Hope Baptist Church.
Beginning in September, the 2024-2025 Sheri Stodgill Lecture Series will be moving to the Rockwall County Library’s Community Room. The programs are free to the public and are brought to you by the Rockwall Historical Commission every second Friday of September through May.
The Rockwall County Historical Foundation Museum at Harry Myers Park in downtown Rockwall presents Aunt Myrta’s Little Friends of the Museum beginning August 1, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, on the first Thursday of each month. The free story time and activities are recommended for children ages 3 to 5.
On September 19 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, the museum will hold the first Dr. Hal’s Book Club of the season. They’ll be introducing the first book and discussing all the details. The club will meet on the third Thursday of each month.
The museum properties will be closed on the 4th of July.
Press Release: A Special Juneteenth for New Hope Baptist Church and What’s Next from the Historical Foundation
Submitted by: Jim Barto, Rockwall County Public Information Officer
