East Bayside in Portland in Cumberland County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)
The Abyssinian Church
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 17, 2024
1. The Abyssinian Church Marker
The Abyssinian Church, 73 Newbury Street, was the major hub of the underground railroad in Maine and became the social center for Portland's African American community.
Built in 1828, the church is the third oldest African American church still standing in the U.S. and the first Black congregation in Maine. It became the fourth congregational church in Portland. Reuben Ruby purchased the land for the church and his son, firefighter William Wilberforce Ruby, saved the building in the fire of 1886 by wetting it down.
Erected by Portland Freedom Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures.
Location. 43° 39.732′ N, 70° 14.904′ W. Marker is in Portland, Maine, in Cumberland County. It is in East Bayside. It is on Newbury Street near Mountfort Street, on the left when traveling north. Located in front of the Abyssinian Church, imbedded in the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 73 Newbury Street, Portland ME 04101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Home of Charles Frederick Eastman, Harriet Stephenson Eastman, and her father, Alexander Stephenson (a few
this page online
Also see . . . Abyssinian Meeting House. (Submitted on November 4, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 17, 2024
2. The Abyssinian Church and Marker
Photographed by Darren Jefferson Clay, October 17, 2024
3. The Abyssinian Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 29, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 29, 2024, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
