Michigan Street Baptist Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Macedonia Baptist Church
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The Macedonia Baptist Church building
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| Location | 511 Michigan Ave., Buffalo, New York |
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| Built | 1845 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001233 |
| Added to NRHP | February 12, 1974 |
The Macedonia Baptist Church, also known as the Michigan Street Baptist Church, is a very old and important African American church in Buffalo, New York. It was built in 1845 and has a rich history, especially for its role in the fight for freedom and civil rights.
Contents
A Church with a Special History
This brick church was built in 1845. It became a central place for the African American community in Buffalo. It was a place for worship, but also a meeting spot for people working for change.
Building the Church
One of the key people in building the church was Samuel H. Davis. He was the fifth pastor of the church. He worked hard to raise money for the building. As a skilled mason, he even helped build much of the church himself. Samuel H. Davis was also a leader in the early civil rights movement. He gave an important speech at the 1843 National Convention of Colored Citizens of America. This convention brought together leaders to discuss how to gain equal rights for African Americans.
A Long-Serving Pastor
Another important figure was Reverend J. Edward Nash (1868–1957). He led the church for a very long time, from 1892 to 1953. That's over 60 years! His home, the Rev. J. Edward Nash, Sr. House, is located close to the church.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
The Michigan Street Baptist Church played a secret but vital role in American history. It was a station on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by enslaved African Americans to escape to freedom in the North or Canada. The church offered a safe place for these brave individuals on their dangerous journey.
A Recognized Landmark
Because of its important history, the Michigan Street Baptist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This means it is recognized as a place that is very important to the history of the United States. In 2013, experts studied the church building to learn more about its history and how to preserve it for the future.
