Bethel Baptist Church

Bethel Baptist Church

Historic Preservation

Urban Architecture was hired to collect and compose historical information on historic Bethel Baptist Church as part of a permanent installation in what will be a new City of Houston park. Urban teamed up with local historian and genealogist Debra Blacklock-Sloan to compose a historical narrative describing the church's religious and civic development as representative of their historic churches in the African American community as part of Houston's overall cultural development. Minor Design is translating this information and historical images onto a graphic canvas that will serve as a compliment to the landscape design by White Oak Studio and the overall park experience. 

Bethel Baptist Church is located in Houston's historic Freedmen's Town Fourth Ward just west of the downtown area. It was founded by Rev. John Henry (Jack) Yates. Collaborative efforts with the Community Archaeology Research Institute uncovered evidence of four church buildings that were constructed on the site since 1891. Recognized African American Architect John Logan Blount designed the last building, which was completed in two phases (1923 & 1950). The church was damaged in a fire in January 2005. More than 75% of the walls have been saved in the new park design. The walls will serve as a frame for the new City Park, which is expected to be completed by summer's end.

...and we keep on learning.

We have had a string of product reps calling lately offering "lunch and learns" for us to satisfy the requirement of the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). All registered architects are required to complete a total of 18 hours of instruction on a variety of topics in every renewal period. Eight (8) Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for the TBAE and an additional ten (10) hours for membership in the AIA.

All 8 CEU's required by the TBAE must include the study of subjects related to your profession and be pertinent to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.

§ At least one of the eight hours must be related to sustainable or energy-efficient design

§ At least one of the eight hours must be related to barrier-free design.

§ At least five of the eight hours must be structured activities, (classroom/classroom equivalent)

§ A maximum of three hours may be self-directed.