Rev. Ned and Emma Pullum House

Jun 5

Located within the Freedmen’s Town National Register Historic District in Houston, the home of Reverend Ned and Emma Pullum dates back to 1898. Reverend Pullum, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church and later founder of Friendship Baptist Church, was not only a religious leader but also a successful entrepreneur. He established the Pullum Standard Brickworks, two pharmacies, and a shoe repair store, contributing significantly to job creation in Freedmen’s Town. Additionally, he and his wife played pivotal roles in establishing the Colored Carnegie Library and Union Hospital, serving Houston’s African American community.

Development pressures in downtown Houston have taken a toll on the historic resources of the 40-block Freedmen’s Town Historic District. Since 1985, over 500 families have been displaced, seven of thirteen churches demolished, and one mile of historic brick streets damaged. The Pullum House, acquired by the Rutherford B. H. Yates Museum, Inc. in 2007, was in a state of deterioration. Despite efforts to stabilize the structure, severe weather and storms have caused significant damage. Urgent repairs are needed for the porch, roof, deteriorated windows, and termite infestation. The estimated cost of restoration has tripled in the last decade. Seeking funding for full restoration, the Museum aims to ensure that this rare piece of Houston’s Reconstruction-era history is preserved and accessible to the public.