The Vanita E. Crawford Antioch Baptist Church Collection MSS.0192

Biographical Note

Mrs. Vanita Crawford, born in Washington, Texas, in 1900, moved to Houston in 1911 and became a member of the city's oldest surviving black church, Antioch Baptist, two years later. In the decades that followed, she was a leader in many church activities, most importantly as the President of the Mission Society from the 1940s until the 1960s. She was also active in the Band organizations of the church, whose membership was initially limited to women, but later opened to men, as well. Band members visited those who were infirm or ill, ran sewing classes, provided food and clothing to those in need, and in general tried to be helpmates to people who required assistance. At the same time as Mrs. Crawford gave unstintingly of her time to the church, she earned her livelihood as a caterer, while her husband, R.H. Crawford, worked for over 50 years as an employee of the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

Scope and Contents

This collection, donated by Mrs. Crawford, provides researchers with a good cross-section of historical materials, including correspondence, photographs, press clippings and organizational records which will be of special value to those with an interest in black history, as well as women's history and the history of religion in Houston.

Restrictions

Use Restrictions

None

Related Material

Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

The Vanita E. Crawford Antioch Baptist Church Collection. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library

Acquisition Information

Donated by Vanita E. Crawford

Processing Information

Processed by Howard Beeth, July 21, 1982

Detailed Description of the Collection