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.
Reverse Description:
(Back-side)
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.