Henderson in Henderson County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

The African Baptist Church

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2021

1. The African Baptist Church Marker (Side A)

Inscription. The church was formed in 1840. Blacks Were baptized and admitted to the white Baptist church. In 1845 the African Baptist Church organized with separate services in the basement of the church led by Rev. Willis Walker, an enslaved man. The church purchased his freedom. In 1866, the congregation bought the Old Methodist Church at Washington and Elm for $3,030.

The African Baptist Church, now known as First Missionary Baptist Church, has been in continuous operation as a place of worship primarily for African Americans at the same location since 1866. The church has endured and strives to maintain spiritual leadership in the Henderson community.
Dedicated on May 26, 2019

Erected 2019 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2574.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 37° 50.241′ N, 87° 35.517′ W. Marker is in Henderson, Kentucky, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of South Elm Street and

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Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on South Elm Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 South Elm Street, Henderson KY 42420, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Tri-State Region.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the South,

in the Upper South,

and in the Ohio River Valley.

Globally, it is in 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

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: County Formed, Named (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Park Fountain (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 400 feet away); Workers Memorial (about 500 feet away); Henderson County Vietnam Veterans (about 500 feet away); They Served with Honor for Freedom (about 500 feet away); Operation Desert Storm Memorial (about 600 feet away); Confederate Raid on Newburgh (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Henderson.

Also see . . . First Missionary Baptist celebrates 175 years. By Erin Schmitt in the Evansville, Ind. Courier & Press newspaper, posted May 30, 2015. (Submitted on April 27, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The African Baptist Church Marker (Side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2021

2. The African Baptist Church Marker (Side B)

The African Baptist Church Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 25, 2021

3. The African Baptist Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 341 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.