While not documented, the oral history of the Grande Ole East dates back to 1870. Tradition holds that northern whites came to Texas and organized several churches throughout Texas. This group formed what was called the Eastern Free Mission District Association. All indications point to First Union Baptist as the mother church along with West Point and Mount Pilgrim, both of Galveston, Pleasant Hill of Houston and New Light of San Antonio as the original churches. There were perhaps other churches, but it is unclear who they all were.

Rev. B. J. Hall then pastor of First Union was the First Moderator. The tradition goes further to say that Rev. Hall and several of his family members, he perhaps a brother or two along with cousins, was instrumental in the organizing of all the churches previously mentioned. He served as moderator 1870-1899.

Rev. J. C. Calhoun, pastor of West Point became the next moderator. He began his preaching ministry at Pleasant Hill in Houston. He later pastored New Light in San Antonio before settling at West Point. He would also go on to serve as president of the Free Mission Baptist State Convention. He served as moderator 1899-1927.

​Rev. P. S. Wilkinson, pastor of Mount Olive in San Antonio, was perhaps the youngest man to serve as moderator. All indications show that he was Calhoun’s favorite. He would succeed Calhoun as moderator and later in 1936, he became president of the convention. It was Wilkinson who led both the association and convention to drop the Free Mission and become known as American Baptist. Wilkinson served as both moderator and president for approximately 3 years. He stepped down from moderator in 1939 in favor of Rev. John W. Williams. He remains a legend to this day. He served as moderator 1927-1939. Rev. John W. Williams, pastor of the First Union Baptist Church served only one year before being called to St. Stephens Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

Rev. James Nathaniel Byrd, pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church would become the longest tenure moderator serving from 1940-1982. Byrd’s deep heritage as moderator would lead him to become the only known moderator in history to be elected moderator for life. He was instrumental in organizing several of the auxiliaries that are now a part of the East including the youth convention. In 1982, amidst failing health, he retired in favor of R. E. Easley. Rev. R. E. Easley, pastor of Sunlight Baptist Church in Houston had previously served as secretary and later First Vice-Moderator. Among his accomplishments, he is credited with the reorganization of the congress and separating it from the annual session. He was also instrumental in the creation of the November Board. Though unsuccessful in his dream of seeing an Encampment Building owned by the Eastern District Association, an attempt was made and one session held in our First Encampment facilities. Circumstances would not allow the project to go on to fruition, but Easley would not be outdone. At his death, monies were on hand for the purchasing of properties for a permanent home. He served until his death on Monday, April 17, 1995.

The East is credited with having two daughters; the American Baptist Southern District Association and the American Baptist Southwest District Association. The Association has also helped form the New Covenant Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas. In 1999, The East severed its long-standing relationship with the American Baptist Convention of Texas and became a charter member of the American Baptist General Convention of Texas. It was also in 1999 that two new churches joined the Grand Ole East. Since that time the Grand Ole East has continued to thrive. Under the leadership of our current Moderator the East is presently renovating the newly named, ‘Almeta R. Keys Youth Center’ which serves as a meeting place for our youth, an overflow for annual meetings, as well as a Fellowship Hall to the membership.

​The Association is currently made up of 33 churches in seven counties throughout Texas. The East is headed for higher ground. With its current leadership and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there is no telling where this train is headed. Give glory to God Saints.