The First African Baptist Church at 2216 Third St. in Central City has a significant and storied past, serving as a space for religious and community gatherings, as well as educational, cultural, and political events. With the roots of the congregation dating back to the early 1800s, it is the oldest Black Baptist congregation in New Orleans, and by some accounts, in the state of Louisiana.
But the Spanish Revival-style building with two asymmetrical towers has suffered damage from multiple storms, including Hurricane Ida, that has forced the congregation to meet elsewhere.
As the next chapter in the church’s history, the pastor at the First African Baptist Church, Reverend William Brent, is actively seeking ways to raise money to restore the historic church building. Kristin Hamilton, a graduate student at Tulane School of Architecture, interned with the PRC this summer to document the history and existing conditions of the church, providing research and drawings to the church leadership that can be used to apply for grant funding for restoration work.
Construction started on the current church building in 1904, and newspaper articles reported that coins, records, and other items were buried underneath the cornerstone to mark the important occasion. Reporters described the future building as a “modern and handsome house of prayer.” In 1907, the church hosted the opening meeting of the Louisiana convention of the NAACP, an early example of the many important civic engagements that would be held at the church throughout its history. The New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission designated the church a local landmark in 1991.
The PRC hopes that Kristin’s work can help Reverend Brent and the congregation return to their building, and continue their important role in the community.
