Portsmouth in Rockingham County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
New Hampshire's First Black Church
Portsmouth NH Black Heritage Trail
Photographed by James R. Murray, July 26, 2016
1. New Hampshire's First Black Church Marker
In 1915 the congregation of the People's Baptist Church which had been meeting in the South Ward Hall for more than twenty-five years, brought this 1857 building for $1200. Though officially Baptist, its membership was multidenominational. For decades it was the heart of Black Portsmouth's social, political, and spiritual life. Among its many distinguished visitors was the young Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. who preached here on October 26, 1952.
People's Church dissolved itself in 1968 after the congregation had separated earlier into two groups. One of them, New Hope Baptist Church, acquired the title to the building and remained its owner until 1984 when it was sold to facilitate building a new church on Peverly Hill Road.
Erected by City of Portsmouth NH.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire, The Black Heritage Trail of series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 26, 1952.
Location. 43° 4.532′ N, 70° 45.796′ W. Marker is in Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Continental Frigate "Raleigh" (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); In This House Admiral (John) Paul Jones Resided (about 800 feet away); John Paul Jones House (about 800 feet away); Spanish American War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Soldiers and Sailors Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frank Jones's Hotels (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of "Negro Burying Ground" (approx. 0.2 miles away); North Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by James R. Murray, July 26, 2016
2. New Hampshire's First Black Church Marker
Photo of marker location on the left hand front of the church as you face the church.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail
Also see . . . Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail. Website homepage (Submitted on April 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by James R. Murray, July 26, 2016
3. New Hampshire's First Black Church
Long view of the Church building
Photographed by James R. Murray, July 26, 2016
4. New Hampshire's First Black Church Marker
View of the front door of the building, know locally as
"The Pearl."
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2016, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,467 times since then and 82 times this year. Last updated on April 7, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 26, 2016, by James R. Murray of Elkton, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
