Friends of New Trinity Cemetery. John 15:13 | Haltom City, Texas

Friends of New Trinity Cemetery. John 15:13 | Haltom City, Texas

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

— John 15:13

The Friends of New Trinity Cemetery is a fellowship of concerned citizens committed to the preservation, protection, and perpetual care of the historic New Trinity Cemetery in Haltom City, Texas.

This sacred ground is more than a cemetery. It is a living archive of the courage, sacrifice, and perseverance that helped shape Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Here rest military heroes, pioneers, freedom fighters, educators, clergy, and faithful families whose lives helped pave the way for generations that followed.

The name “Friends of New Trinity Cemetery” was chosen intentionally.

We are called to be friends.

Friends care for one another.

Friends look out for one another.

Friends protect what matters.

Friends remember the sacrifices of those who came before them.

Jesus reminds us of the true meaning of friendship:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

— John 15:13

Many who rest in this sacred place lived out that scripture. Some wore the uniform of this nation and placed their lives on the line in defense of freedom. Others sacrificed quietly as parents, laborers, ministers, educators, physicians, and community builders who endured hardship so that future generations might stand on stronger ground.

Within the grounds of Historic New Trinity Cemetery lies an extraordinary legacy of African American history that deserves to be remembered, protected, and treasured.

Among those honored here are:

• Congressional Gold Medal recipient Florence Marie Cole Rawls, a member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II.

• Dr. Riley Andrew Ransom Sr. (1886–1951), a pioneering Black physician in Fort Worth who founded the city’s first hospital for African Americans. A 1908 valedictorian graduate of Louisville National Medical College, Dr. Ransom established the Ethel Ransom Memorial Hospital, providing essential medical care and nurse training for African Americans during the era of segregation. His life stands as a testament to faith, courage, and service to community.

• More than 500 Buffalo Soldiers and members of America’s historic segregated Black military units who rest within these sacred grounds. These brave men served in the legendary 24th and 25th Infantry Regiments, as well as in later segregated units that carried the fight for freedom through World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. From the western frontier to battlefields around the world, their courage, discipline, and sacrifice helped defend democracy and expand the promise of freedom for future generations.

• L.D. Livingston, a World War II veteran, Harlem police officer, and talented player in the historic Negro Baseball Leagues, representing the deep and proud connection between Fort Worth and the golden era of Black baseball.

• Dr. Veda Felder, a pioneering educator who became the first African American to receive a graduate degree from Texas Christian University. She also played a historic role in civil rights by inviting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to speak in Fort Worth.

• Baker Chapel AME Church, one of Fort Worth’s historic houses of worship, founded in 1908 by Reverend Henry Baker. Reverend Baker and seven founding members first gathered at 301 East Rosedale Street, establishing a spiritual foundation that would serve generations of believers in Fort Worth.

• John 15:13. James Nathan Baker, Sr., founder of Baker Funeral Home, whose service to the community provided dignity, compassion, and care to countless families during their most difficult moments.

These individuals—and countless others resting within these sacred grounds—planted dreams in the fertile soil of faith, courage, and determination.

Because of them, we inherited a legacy worth protecting.

It is therefore the responsibility of those who are living to care for those who paved the way—

as friends,

as neighbors,

and as grateful descendants of a history worth preserving.

The Friends of New Trinity Cemetery are honored to serve as stewards of the perpetual care and historical preservation of this sacred ground, carrying forward the dreams God planted in the lives of those who came before us.

And though generations may pass, the bond of friendship and remembrance remains strong.

As the beloved hymn reminds us:

“Friends are friends forever, if the Lord’s the Lord of them.”

Though it is often difficult to say goodbye to those we love, we trust they now rest safely in the Father’s hands. Their lives continue to inspire us, and their legacy continues to guide us.

So we keep them close—in memory, in gratitude, and in the work we do to preserve their resting place.

For in the kingdom of God, friendship does not end at the grave.

And a lifetime is never too long

to live as friends.

There is a rich and sacred history resting within New Trinity Cemetery, and the Friends of New Trinity Cemetery are committed to honoring that legacy—today, tomorrow, and forever.

Those interested in supporting the preservation and historical recognition of New Trinity Cemetery or learning more about the work of the Friends of New Trinity Cemetery are encouraged to connect with the leadership helping guide this effort:

Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr.

New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church

Fort Worth, Texas

📞 817-966-7625

or

Commander Chad Page

American Legion Post 655

Haltom City, Texas

📞 469-660-7003

Together, through faith, friendship, and community stewardship, we will continue the sacred work of preserving history, honoring legacy, and ensuring that those who came before us are forever remembered.