Historic Denton County Black Cemetery Receives Makeover on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
Carolynn SpencerFeatured Photo: Pictured are descendants of those buried in Champion-Macedonia Cemetery, Kappa Fraternity rep, far left, 1st row, followed by Jackie Shaw and Bobbie Mitchell, Denton County Commissioner Precinct 3, with Omega Fraternity rep, far right, 1st row. Also pictured 5th from the right, 1st row, Cassie Whitley, a Champion Family Descendant who will take charge of the cemetery care in 2025. Photos by Linda Williams
Despite frigid, below-freezing temperatures, 250 Denton County volunteers, including many members of the Lewisville Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service by cleaning up and revitalizing the Champion-Macedonia Historic Black Cemetery in Lewisville, Texas, on Monday, January 20, 2025
Still active today, this historic cemetery, originally Mount Olive Cemetery, is the final resting place for about 150 Black people, with graves dating back to 1886. Traditionally, family members of those buried there have maintained the cemetery, but as their numbers have dwindled, the need for greater community involvement has grown.
This annual collaboration between the Church and community members has been ongoing for four years, with much long-term progress in the cemetery, including installing a historical marker and uncovering and locating numerous gravesites.
“There are a lot of Black cemeteries in North Texas that are in dire need of upkeep,” said Linda Williams, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Community Outreach Specialist. “Many people buried in Champion-Macedonia Cemetery have no headstones; they are unknown — but the families remember.”
“And sadly, the cemeteries have been used as dumping grounds over the years,” continued Williams. “It has been a long effort to get this cemetery and other Black cemeteries registered as historic Texas cemeteries and erect historical markers — with a lot of the credit for that going to the Kappa Fraternity.
“When we first started working with Westside Baptist Church and the Champion family, this cemetery was so overgrown, we couldn’t even find it. And when we finally did locate it, hidden behind Huffines, you couldn’t even tell there was a cemetery.
“But now there is road access, a beautiful, donated fence, and benches to rest on,” said Williams. “The ultimate goal is to help the descendants of those buried here to research their family histories and to give names to the unknowns.”
During Monday’s event, two huge container dumpsters were filled with leaves, bush and tree trimmings, and debris.
Promoted on JustServe.org, a website dedicated to connecting community volunteers with organizations in need, the event drew a surprising number of teens and children, demonstrating the younger generation’s desire to serve, just as Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated.
Local JustServe leaders hosted the hospitality table at the event, where the biggest draw was the hot chocolate due to the cold weather.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Denton County and surrounding areas anticipates continuing its support in joining with the community to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. through service projects such as this in the future.
“Our next goal is to do the same for the Harrington-Cassady-Clark cemetery in Little Elm,” said Williams. “While it is already registered as a historic Black cemetery, it is in great need of tender loving care.”
“It has been a pleasure to serve at [Champion-Macedonia Cemetery] every year,” said Chevelle Pridgett, a Church of Jesus Christ community outreach specialist. “I feel invested in the progress we have made. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be very proud of us working together as different religions, races, and organizations.”
Kristi Baxter, 1st Counselor of the Lewisville Stake Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ, agreed: “It was truly inspiring to come together as a community to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through service. Caring for the cemetery allowed us not only to reflect on his vision of unity and love, but also to honor the sacrifice and grace of those who came before us. In the words of Dr. King, ‘The time is always ripe to do right.’ I look forward to more opportunities such as this that uplift and inspire; it made for a great day!”
To find local volunteer opportunities or to promote your organization’s need for volunteers, visit JustServe.org.
