Columbia in Boone County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
African-American Heritage Trail
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
1. Fifth Street Christian Church side of the marker
Fifth Street Christian Church, founded as Second Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in 1861, is considered the first black church in the city. The first permanent church opened in 1879 at Seventh and Ash streets. With more than 200 members, the church moved to its new (current) location in 1923 once the lower level was built. The church was completed by 1928 and the name was changed to Fifth Street Christian Church in 1977.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, founded in 1880, has roots to 1867 when about 30 people began to meet in a blacksmith shop. The first church was at Fourth and Ash streets. The new (current) church at Fifth and Park streets opened in 1892 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Both churches were spiritual and social hubs and actively created educational opportunities for black children.
Erected 2019 by Sharp End Heritage Committee, Economic Development Inc., City of Columbia; signage courtesy of The Crossing.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Missouri, Columbia, African-American Heritage Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named African-American Heritage Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Wynna Faye Tapp-Elbert Memorial Amphitheater (about 400 feet away); African American Heritage Trail (about 400 feet away); Annie Fisher's House (about 600 feet away); In Loving Memory of Mrs. Beulah Ralph (about 600 feet away); Douglass Park and Pool, Russell Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named African-American Heritage Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named African-American Heritage Trail (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbia.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
2. St. Paul A.M.E. Church side of the marker
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
3. Fifth Street Christian Church side of the marker
Fifth Street Christian Church is visible in the background to the left.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 21, 2021
4. St. Paul A.M.E. Church side of the marker
St. Paul A.M.E. Church is visible directly behind the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 26, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
