Historical African American Churches of the U.S.
Isaac K. Williams
Unlike many other organizations in America that has been used as a vehicle for change within the black community, the black church stands firm. Since its inception in the US, even during times of intense oppression and resistance, the black church has afforded its parishioners with a since of hope and liberation from the harsh world that awaited outside the church doors. The edifices were truly sanctuaries of solace to the faint and weary.
In addition, the church was a venue for economical pooling, stages for civil rights movements, platforms for civic involvement, and a means to connect with other blacks within their communities. With an exterior of brick and mortar, shabby wood siding, or stones, these facilities meant more to the communities that they served outside of a place to meet with their God.
Unfortunately, many of these buildings were burned to the ground due to their significance to their communities. However, through much dedication and partnerships, the buildings were rebuilt again to not only be a place of worship but to serve as a beacon and token that the physical church was not the life, it was the congregation within the church.
Name:Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church
Location: Elsinboro, New Jersey
Date:1754 – Present
Brief History:The church was officially founded in 1754 by Rueben Cuff. As it was commonplace at that time the church fell victim to fire that destroyed the entire infrastructure. The facility underwent reconstruction between 1860-1877. Consequently, the facility continued to have repairs and additions throughout the years
Name:First Baptist Church
Location: Petersburg, Virginia
Date:1756 – Present
Brief History:The original congregation began meeting in George County, Virginia while the evangelical anti-slavery message of the missionaries went forth. Three young men established the First African Baptist Church in 1774. They later moved to Petersburg and modified the name to First Baptist Church. Traditionally led by an African American for a period, the church was led by a white pastor due to the Nat Turner revolt in 1831. It was later regained by the African Americans by 1870. The facility has been used as the meeting place for civils rights movements, and marches.
Name:First African Baptist Church
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Date:1777 – Present
Brief History:Known as the oldest African American church in the United States, First American Baptist Church held the first Sunday school in North America in 1826. The facility was originally named First Colored Baptist Church. The First Colored Baptist Church formed two congregations: Second Colored Church and the Ogeechee Baptist Church. In 1822, the First and Second Colored Church recombined under the name First African Baptist Church, which remains today.