The African Baptist Church

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]

(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.

Dedicated May 26, 2019.