The first African-American families moved to Hitchcock in 1892, and by 1900 additional families had joined them. Many of these families formed the nucleus of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church when it was organized in 1901. The Rev. J. L. Luckett served as the first pastor, and the young congregation worshiped in homes, with Charles Monroe and Walter King as the first deacons. In 1902, the congregation received land and a building, which was moved onto the new church property and used until the church purchased land on North Railroad Avenue and built a new building about 1910. The 1932 hurricane severely damaged the sanctuary, but members and friends in the community helped rebuild it. As the congregation grew and its ministries expanded, additional buildings and facilities were constructed, and for the first 50 years baptisms were held in nearby Highland Creek. In 1968, the congregation moved to this site. With strong historical associations to the development of Hitchcock and an emphasis on music, worship, outreach, and fellowship, Galilee Missionary Baptist Church has played an important role in the community’s religious and cultural history.