Southwest Quadrant in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Alfred Street Baptist Church

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008

1. Alfred Street Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Alfred Street Baptist Church is home to the oldest African American congregation in Alexandria, dating to the early 19th century. It has served as a prominent religious, educational, and cultural institution. In 1818, the congregation, then known as the Colored Baptist Society, began worship services here in the midst of the Bottoms, a free black neighborhood. By 1820 the church created its educational branch, providing religious and secular opportunities for both black children and adults. In 1855, free black craftsmen probably designed and built the brick church. Alterations to the building occurred in the 1880s and in 1994 the church constructed a new sanctuary.

Erected 2003 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number E-124.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1818.

Location. 38° 48.179′ N, 77° 2.99′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia.

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It is in the Southwest Quadrant. It is at the intersection of Alfred Street and Duke Street (Virginia Route 236), on the right when traveling south on Alfred Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 Alfred Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area

and in Northern Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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 the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Elton B. Hummer (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bayne-Fowle House (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Swann-Daingerfield House (about 600 feet away); The Patton-Fowle House

Alfred Street Baptist Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008

2. Alfred Street Baptist Church and Marker

(about 700 feet away); Friendship Firehouse Museum (about 700 feet away); The Lyceum (about 700 feet away); Beulah Baptist Church (about 700 feet away); The Historic Lyceum (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Swann-Daingerfield House (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Virginia African American Heritage. (Submitted on December 23, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

Alfred Street Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 21, 2008

3. Alfred Street Baptist Church

Alfred Street Baptist Church, south wing - the "Old Church" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard E. Miller, December 23, 2008

4. Alfred Street Baptist Church, south wing - the "Old Church"

Cornerstone on the church building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 24, 2019

5. Cornerstone on the church building

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 5,549 times since then and 64 times this year. Last updated on December 23, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 4. submitted on December 23, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 5. submitted on March 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.