RECLAIMING OUR ROOTS. Honoring the 140th Anniversary of the Vision for the Historic New Trinity Cemetery (1886–2026) in Haltom City, Texas.



RECLAIMING OUR ROOTS. Honoring the 140th Anniversary of the Vision for the Historic New Trinity Cemetery (1886–2026) in Haltom City, Texas


“That the generation to come might know them… that they might set their hope in God.” — Psalm 78:6–7 (KJV)


TARRANT COUNTY — The year 1886 marks a sacred beginning. It was the year that Pastor Greene Fretwell, a formerly enslaved minister, passed away — and the moment his devoted wife, Mrs. Frances Fretwell, began her holy mission to secure a dignified burial place for Black families in Tarrant County.


Her compassion, courage, and spiritual clarity gave birth to what would become the Historic New Trinity Cemetery — the oldest Black cemetery in this part of the county and a cornerstone of African American heritage, faith, military service, and community resilience.



As we approach the 140th Anniversary of this powerful vision, Buffalo Soldiers across Texas are preparing a statewide tribute to honor the legacy of Pastor Fretwell, the leadership of Mrs. Fretwell, and the thousands of lives rooted in this sacred ground.




A SACRED MILITARY LEGACY: 500+ HEROES RESTING HERE


The Historic New Trinity Cemetery is not just a community burial ground — it is a military sanctuary.


More than 500 African American veterans rest in this hallowed soil, including:

• Buffalo Soldiers

• Pioneer Infantry soldiers

• Tuskegee Airmen

• And a member of the legendary 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion —

Technician Fifth Grade Florence Marie Cole Rawls,

a Congressional Gold Medal recipient honored for her extraordinary service.


Many of these veterans were the sons and grandsons of formerly enslaved people — men and women who defended a nation that did not always defend them. Their presence makes New Trinity Cemetery one of the most historically significant African American military burial sites in North Texas.




A HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR A HISTORIC MISSION


The 140th anniversary aligns with a monumental opportunity: a community petition for the new Historic Texas Freedmen’s Cemetery Designation, established by Texas Senate Bill 217.


This designation — administered by the Texas Historical Commission — provides:

• Protection

• Recognition

• Historical preservation

• Permanent documentation


With countless freedmen, freedom families, and military pioneers buried here, including Buffalo Soldiers who once wore chains and later wore the uniform of freedom, New Trinity Cemetery is an ideal candidate for this honor.


The existing Historic Texas Cemetery marker preserves the origin story:


“When the Rev. Greene Fretwell, a former slave, died in 1886, there was no Black cemetery in this part of Tarrant County. With donations collected by his widow, Frances, the trustees of Trinity Chapel Methodist Church bought two acres in 1889 for a church and burial ground…”


Mrs. Frances Fretwell’s determination became the cornerstone of an enduring legacy.




A QUEST FOR SACRED REMEMBRANCE


Across Texas, nearly 500 Freedom Colonies were built by formerly enslaved men and women after emancipation. Each community had one sacred landmark — a Freedmen’s Cemetery — where the first generation born free laid their loved ones to rest with dignity.


Thanks to the leadership of Senator Royce West of Dallas and Representative Harold Dutton of Houston, Texas has established the Historic Texas Freedmen’s Cemetery Designation Program, taking effect September 1, 2025 — a long-overdue act of moral restoration.


This program gives families, churches, and descendants the tools to reclaim, protect, and preserve their sacred heritage.




WHEN HONOR IS DUE


As Chaplain of the Texas Buffalo Soldiers Association, I join Buffalo Soldiers across the state in saluting Senator West and Representative Dutton for their vision.


This is more than legislation — it is illumination.


“This remarkable program honors the lives and legacies of Buffalo Soldiers — men who once wore chains but later wore the uniform of freedom,” I said. “It ensures that their resting places, from Shiloh Cemetery in White Oak to New Trinity Pioneer Cemetery in Haltom City, will be forever preserved as sacred ground.”


Every gravestone, every unmarked plot, every whispered name declares that faith outlasted bondage — and hope outlived injustice.


 DAY WEEKEND COMMEMORATION


This 140th Anniversary Day , we honor:

• The Fretwell Family, whose love launched a 140-year legacy

• The freedmen and freedom families that built this community

• The 500+ African American veterans who rest here, including Buffalo Soldiers, Pioneers, Tuskegee Airmen, and a hero of the 6888th Battalion

• The sacred roots that tie us to the soil of freedom


We invite you to join us as we reclaim, restore, and remember.


FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 140TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION, contact:


Pastor Kyev Tatum

817-966-7625

kptatum1@gmail.com

www.newmountrose.com


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