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Buried Treasure
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Six decades ago, in the heart of Dallas, thrived an affluent African-American community. It was during a time when civil unrest and industrial progress swept the country. The community was swallowed up, except for the church that bound the town people together – St. Paul United Methodist Church. Today, students from the University of Texas and church members are working to uncover and document African-American history. |
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Sifting through soil, members of St. Paul United Methodist Church are getting help looking for roots – their own.
University of Texas archaeological student: “We are finding all different kinds of things that are getting us a picture of the daily lives of these people that aren’t recorded in any sort of history books.”
In the 1940s, this was the center of a vibrant African-American community in downtown Dallas, known as Freedman’s Town. Today, it is surrounded by progress.
For church trustee Reggie Smith, it is an unearthing of feelings.
Reggie Smith, St. Paul United Methodist Church trustee: “We are just looking for our roots and I think that is ironic, just digging, you know, because that’s where roots are.”
Reggie is a descendant of the Cole family, whose row house once stood on church property. His mom remembers having dinner every Sunday after church at the Cole home.
Seeing the artifacts today is a reminder of the family legacy and the church’s rich history.
Reggie Smith: “That was an expensive piece of porcelain for it to have that type of markings on it.”
For Reggie, the church is like a spiritual museum.
Reggie Smith: “You look at the brick on the exterior of this building and it is a patchwork of different types of brick, of people literally bringing a brick to church.”
And the cornerstone of the church still stands as a pillar to the community, now and then. Here, Reggie’s grandfather’s name is carved in granite.
Reggie Smith: “I feel him. I tell people sometimes these old Africans come and they touch you. He’s here.”
Buried Treasure – Tag:
The archaeology students are busy carefully cataloging the artifacts, and when they’re done, the family treasures will be on display in the welcome center of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas.