Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours

Cathy Stucker — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 05:50:12 +0000

If you think of Buffalo Bayou as a dirty stream running through downtown Houston, you haven’t seen the bayou lately. And the best way to see Buffalo Bayou is on one of the boat tours offered by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP).

The BBP recently introduced their new pontoon boat, Spirit of the Bayou, with a cruise along Buffalo Bayou. (The Spirit of the Bayou replaces a boat lost to an arson fire over the summer.)

On this cruise, the boat traveled east along the Bayou from Allen’s Landing, through historic east Houston with historian Louis F. Aulbach providing insight, commentary and fun facts about Houston history along the way. Aulbach is the BBP’s resident historian, and he leads monthly historical tours.

Viewing the city from the bayou gives you a brand new perspective on Houston. Passengers can view industry, nature, history and striking views of the downtown Houston skyline, while taking a relaxing boat trip along a portion of Houston’s main waterway.

Several Buffalo Bayou boat tours are available at various times of the year, from the Christmas cruises happening this month to bat colony tours, historical tours and more. Tours depart from Sabine Promenade. You can get information about scheduled tours, or how to schedule a private Buffalo Bayou boat tour for your group, at the Buffalo Bayou Partnership website.

Be sure to book your cruise to discover this little-seen side of Houston. Meanwhile, take a look at some of the photos from the recent preview cruise offered by BBP.

Buffalo Bayou from Allen’s Landing

Buffalo Bayou Nature

One of Many Bridges Over Buffalo Bayou

Downtown Houston Skyline from Buffalo Bayou

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church

Cathy Stucker — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:21:57 +0000

Now in the shadow of the skyscrapers that sprang up around it, this church was founded in 1866 by nine freed slaves. In 1868, one of Antioch’s members, Jack Yates, was ordained at the first Association meeting for African American Baptist Churches. This meeting was the first National Baptist Convention.

Rev. Jack Yates became the first pastor of Antioch and he was instrumental in establishing the church at its present location. The church, located in the center of Freedman’s Town, was the center of activity for the African-American community. It was the first brick structure built and owned by African-Americans in Houston.

The Red Brick Church was designed by African-American Richard Allen. The building was erected in 1875 and it was the first brick structure owned by African-Americans in Houston, Texas. The church features stained glass windows with portraits of prominent church figures.The original handmade pews are still used in the sanctuary.

Be sure to notice the neon “Jesus Saves” sign on the steeple.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church
500 Clay at Smith
713-652-0738
Open for services.
No admission charge.
http://www.antiochdowntown.org/

Directions: Enter downtown via Louisiana or Travis. Turn left on Clay, and the church is just past Smith Street. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots and garages (e.g., Allen Center).

Image Credit: Cortney Martin82 | CC BY 2.0

Houston View » Houston History