Alfred Street Baptist Church
Posted by: 
robert
N 38° 48.183 W 077° 02.986
18S E 322007 N 4296916
Also known as African Baptist Church; First Colored Baptist Church
Waymark Code: WMQWM
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 09/19/2006
Views: 13
Alfred Street Baptist Church is home to the oldest African American congregation in Alexandria, dating to the early 19th century. It has served as a prominent religious, educational, and cultural institution. In 1818, the congregation, then known as the Colored Baptist Society, began worship services here in the midst of the Bottoms, a free black neighborhood. In 1820 the church created its educational branch, providing religious and secular opportunities for both black children and adults. In 1855, free black craftsmen probably designed and built the brick church. Alterations to the building occurred in the 1880s and in 1994 the church constructed a new sanctuary.
Be sure to check out the
companion waymark in the Virginia Historic Markers category.
Building - #03001423