Tulane - Gravier in New Orleans in Orleans Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Central Congregational Church 1872-2005
⎯⎯⎯
Celebrating Central Church's Legacy

Central Congregational Church 1872-2005 Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 11, 2020

1. Central Congregational Church 1872-2005 Marker

Inscription.
Central Congregational Church 1872-2005Central Congregational Church of New Orleans was organized by Rev. Charles H. Thompson, a theology professor at Straight College and thirty-two incorporators on June 30, 1872. It was the result of the work of the American Missionary Assn (AMA), a main agency for Congregational activism with abolitionists. Led by Christian faith, the AMA addressed the needs of freed slaves through education, monetary assistance & financial literacy by instituting churches & schools including Straight College & Central Church. Persistent in promoting education, Central housed the first Colored Day Nursery in 1911. Central's members played significant roles in the community. Designed by black architect Ferdinand Rousseve, the current edifice dedicated Nov. 18. 1945, was constructed of materials salvaged from the demolished Straight College. The Memorial Bell, the only relic of Central's first home, was placed on the front lawn at 2401 Bienville Ave. in recognition of the original members. The mission-based involvement in education, civil rights, social service & spiritual growth through Central

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Congregational Church has been firmly woven into the world-wide fabric of life.

Celebrating Central Church's LegacyThe sanctuary when located on Liberty Street was the largest, meeting place in the city opened without distinction of race. Regularly, the church hosted commencements, conventions, grand lodge meetings, recitals, and lectures. It was the only place in the city where the racially diverse meeting of the Southern Sociological Congress could be held in 1921. Founders: Sarah Blunt, Clara Boyer, Betsy Cole, Frances Dunn, Lettice Dunn, Joseph Ebb, Priscilla Higdon, Thomas E. Hillson, Phillis Hopkins, Cornelia Hutchinson, Harriet Hutchinson, Henrietta Ingraham, Robert H. Isabelle, Susan Jones, Mary Jordan, Jane Kimball, Elizabeth Lewis, Martha Lewis, Charlotte Mitchell, Lucy Ebb Morton, Jacob A. Norager, Mary Norager, Sophie Paul, Mary Jane Quinn, Elizabeth E. Rose. Merinda Saunders, Elizabeth Thompson, Mary Waits. Harriet Williams, Isaac Wilson, Adolph Zemar, and Lavinia Zemar.
OSPB schools named for Central members: Florence E. Chester. Mary D. Coghill, Lawrence D. Crocker, Henderson H. Dunn, L.B.

Central Congregational Church 1872-2005/ Celebrating Central Church's Legacy Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 11, 2020

2. Central Congregational Church 1872-2005/ Celebrating Central Church's Legacy Marker

Landry, Alfred Lawless, James Lewis, and Fannie C. Williams.
Dillard University a buildings named for Central members: Cook Performing Arts Center, A.W. Dent Hall, F.C. Williams Hall.

Erected by Keeping Our Legacy Alive Community Development Corporation (KOLA).

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures.

Location. 29° 57.91′ N, 90° 4.956′ W. Marker is in New Orleans, Louisiana, in Orleans Parish. It is in Tulane - Gravier. It is on Bienville Street west of North Tonti Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2401 Bienville St, New Orleans LA 70119, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in one of the River Parishes.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

on the Gulf Coast,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what

Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, September 11, 2020

3. Central Congregational Church 1872-2005 Marker

was once New Spain,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

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: Dooky Chase's Restaurant (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Dooky Chase's Restaurant (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Inc. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Capt. Andre Caillioux (approx. half a mile away); Duplantier-Peniston Tomb (approx. half a mile away); Warren Easton Charter High School (approx. half a mile away); Oscar James Dunn (approx. half a mile away); WMF & PRC Bridge to Crafts Careers Program: New Orleans (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Orleans.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 4, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 1,356 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 4, 2020, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.

Central Congregational Church 1872-2005⎯⎯⎯Celebrating Central Church's Legacy

Central Congregational Church 1872-2005
⎯⎯⎯
Celebrating Central Church's Legacy