Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Great Falls, Montana (1890- )

The Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church in Great Falls, Montana, is one of the state’s oldest active churches. The African American community in Great Falls dates to the town’s beginnings.  As elsewhere in the western United States, the community came together early on for mutual benefit … Read MoreUnion Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Great Falls, Montana (1890- )

Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, Washington (1890- )

Home to the largest African American congregation in the state of Washington, Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized in Seattle on February 18, 1894. Led by Reverend Hesekiah C. Rice, eight founding members initially met in a rented hall on the campus of the University of … Read MoreMount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, Washington (1890- )

First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Seattle, Washington (1886- )

Established in 1886 when Washington was still a territory, the First African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Seattle, Washington is the state’s oldest black church.  Initially, members began by meeting in each other’s homes.  These meetings eventually led to the opening of a home based … Read MoreFirst African Methodist Episcopal Church, Seattle, Washington (1886- )

Calvary Baptist Church, Spokane, Washington (1890- )

Early in 1890, in Spokane, Washington, a small group of African American citizens gathered “to consider the propriety of organizing a church.”  The name Calvary Baptist Church was adopted, and thus was founded the city’s first historically black church.  Its founding transcended race and gender, … Read MoreCalvary Baptist Church, Spokane, Washington (1890- )

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, Texas (1866- )

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the first African American Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, was organized in January 1866 by formerly enslaved people.  These individuals were assisted by white missionaries from the First Baptist Church and the German Baptist Church.  Antioch’s members worshiped at the two … Read MoreAntioch Missionary Baptist Church, Houston, Texas (1866- )

Silver Bluff Baptist Church, Silver Bluff, South Carolina (1773- )

The first black Baptist congregation in South Carolina was formed in 1773 on the Galphin Plantation near Silver Bluff, 14 miles northwest of  Savannah, Georgia.  The church was founded jointly by Rev. Wait Palmer, a white Connecticut minister, and African American pastor, George Liele.  The … Read MoreSilver Bluff Baptist Church, Silver Bluff, South Carolina (1773- )

Antioch Baptist Church, San Jose, California (1893- )

Organized on August 2, 1893 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hawkins, Antioch Baptist Church was the first African American Baptist church in San Jose, California. Rev. C.C. Laws was called as the first pastor, requesting a salary of $10.00 a month with … Read MoreAntioch Baptist Church, San Jose, California (1893- )

First African Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia (1773- )

First African Baptist Church, located in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest African American Baptist Churches. Although the church was not officially established until 1788, the original congregation of mostly enslaved individuals had been formed in 1773 … Read MoreFirst African Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia (1773- )