History of the First Presbyterian Church at Crockett, Texas

by Miss Emma Tenney

p.14

Besides the colored ministers¹ which we mentioned in previous writing, there is at least one other individual fruit of the pioneer efforts of our church for the colored people, which seems to us to be worthy of special mention.  This was a noble colored woman, Maria Green² by name, whose memory the whole Crockett church might delight to honor, for the extent of the Gospel work done by her was probably beyond our estimate.  Having come to Texas with Mrs. Webb³, who was mentioned above as one of the leading helpers in this work for her race.  Naturally she became interested and her life proved her appreciation of the work done for herself and her people.  “Aunt Maria” lived to a good old age and until she became feeble in health, and bed-ridden, it was her faithful custom to “go into the House of the Lord” on Sabbath days.  If it were known, her many generous contributions of her hard earnings, for the Lord’s cause, ought certainly to inspire others --- she was indeed a “cheerful giver”, though her giving was done in quietness and not “to be seen of men”.  Often only Rev. Tenney knew, when she handed him a check of something like ten dollars to be sent to home or foreign missions, until it was later listed in the Missionary Survey.  She had money interests in several churches – some for white people and some for colored people’s churches.  In her will, which she left to be executed by Rev. Tenney, she gave seven hundred dollars for Congo Missions.  Surely she had “treasures laid up in Heaven”.  This good colored woman died at the home of Mrs. W. A. R. French, whose faithful servant she was for many years, who loved her and ministered to her in her last illness like she was one of her family.

¹ Names not given

² Marker in Glenwood Cemetery, Crockett, TX

  21 May, 1912, age about 80 years.

   Born in Roanoke, VA