John Henry "Jack" Yates (July 11, 1828 – December 22, 1897) was an African-American slave and later minister who became influential in the African-American community in Houston, Texas.[1]
Yates was born in Gloucester County, Virginia on July 11, 1828. Yates became the pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Houston's first African-American Baptist church, after it opened in 1866. Yates established Houston Academy, a school for African-American children. He died in December 22, 1897. Yates High School in Houston was named after Yates.[1]
The house Yates occupied was originally in the Fourth Ward. It was later moved to Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston, and it was opened to the public on Wednesday December 11, 1996.[2]
According to the church, the original pews, made by hand, are still used.[3]