our history: PRINCE MEMORIAL CME CHURCH
Saving Prince
Story and Photos
By MEL W RHODES
Historic Prince Memorial in
desperate need of rescue
Raymond George, Clem Smith
76
A
lmost unnoticed, a unique piece of history hugs a
slope a few blocks west of the Courthouse Square,
slouching a bit under the weight of time and seven roofs.
Built in 1871 by former slaves, according to Weatherford’s
Raymond George and Clem Smith, Prince Memorial CME
Church is something special.
“It’s been documented as the oldest Black CME church
in the state of Texas,” George said. “Second [oldest] in the
United States.”
George said the local black community not only
worshipped at Prince, but attended “school” as well. The
building served as a school until 1907 when the Mount
Pleasant Colored School was built. [George ramrodded
recent efforts to renovate the dilapidated school building
(Mount Pleasant), helping save that historic property for
posterity.]
Now, Prince Memorial CME Church, at 410 West Oak
St., is in trouble.
“It’s actually the roof,” George explained. “Though we
originally thought it was a foundation problem, they have