AUSTIN, Texas -- In 1867, after emancipation, Rev. Jacob Fontaine founded the First Baptist Church in Austin on the same property where the Austin History Center now stands.
- Founded six churches in Central Texas
- Became active in politics during Reconstruction
- Founded one of the first black newspapers in the South
He went on to found six churches in Central Texas and helped to organize the St. John Missionary Baptist Association.
In addition, Rev. Fontaine worked as a janitor, operated a grocery store, a laundry, and owned a book and medicine store. He became active in politics during Reconstruction. Ten years after founding the church, in 1876, he founded “The Gold Dollar,” one of the first black newspapers in the South.
His family continued his newspaper and church work after his death. His grandson founded the Fontaine Memorial Baptist Church in 1962.