Westown in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First African-American Church Built in Wisconsin
Photographed by Paul F, May 18, 2010
1. First African-American Church Built in Wisconsin Marker
South side of two sided marker
St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first African-American church built in Wisconsin, once stood on this site. The property was purchased in 1869, the year the congregation was organized. Construction on the St. Mark A.M.E. church began in November 1886, under the direction of Rev. William R. Alexander, Pastor. Dedicatory services were held on April 3, 1887. The St. Mark congregation spent 43 years at this site, during which time the membership grew and the church, known as the Friendly Church, became the center of religious, civic and cultural affairs for the African-American community.
Erected 1990 by State Historical Society of Wisconsin and St. Mark A.M.E. Church. (Marker Number 293.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1861.
Location. 43° 2.477′ N, 87° 54.95′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Westown. It is at the intersection of West Kilbourn Avenue and North 4th Street, on the right when traveling north on West
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. 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 Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Site in Journalism (within shouting distance of this marker); Connie Carpenter (Phinney) (within shouting distance of this marker); Andy North (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee Kemp (within shouting distance of this marker); Judith Sweet (within shouting distance of this marker); John Powless (within shouting distance of this marker); Earl L. "Curly" Lambeau (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward P. "Ned" Allis (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.
Also see . . . St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church. Black Past website entry (Submitted on January 22, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Paul F, May 18, 2010
2. First African-American Church Built in Wisconsin Marker
North side of two sided marker.
Photographed by Paul F, May 18, 2010
3. First African-American Church Built in Wisconsin Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,986 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
