Second Baptist Church (Detroit, Michigan) facts for kids
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Second Baptist Church Of Detroit
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | 441 Monroe Street Detroit, Michigan |
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| Built | 1914; 1926, 1968 (additions) |
| Architect | William E. N. Hunter |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival, Brutalist |
| Part of | Greektown Historic District (ID82002902) |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000970 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | March 19, 1975 |
| Designated CP | May 06, 1982 |
The Second Baptist Church is a very important place located at 441 Monroe Street in Greektown, Detroit, Michigan. It is the oldest African-American church in the central United States, known as the Midwestern United States. This church was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1974. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
Contents
A Church with a Special History
The Second Baptist Church has a long and inspiring story. It was started in March 1836 by 13 people who used to be enslaved. They left their old church because they faced unfair treatment. Second Baptist became Detroit's seventh main church.
Helping People Find Freedom
The church was very close to the Detroit River and the border with Canada. This location was perfect for helping people escape slavery. The church quickly became a "station" on the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people travel to freedom.
The church even built a special room under its main area. Escaping slaves could hide there until they were ready to continue their journey to Canada. Church leaders also helped create groups in Canada that worked to end slavery. From when it started until the Civil War ended, the church helped about 5,000 people find their way to freedom.
Making a Difference in the Community
The Second Baptist Church did more than just help people escape slavery. It also opened Detroit's very first school for black children in 1839. This was a huge step for education in the city.
The church also hosted important meetings. In 1843 and 1865, it held "State Conventions of Colored Citizens." During these meetings, people asked the Michigan government to give black citizens the right to vote.
Many important people have been connected to this church. Ralph Bunche, who later won the Nobel Peace Prize, was baptized here. He was the first African-American to receive this famous award. The Second Baptist Church also helped start more than 30 other African-American churches.
The Church Building: Old and New Styles
The main church building you see today was built in 1914. It has three floors. Before this, an older church building was destroyed by a fire. More parts were added to the building in 1926 and 1968, on either side of the original structure.
Older Sections of the Church
The parts built in 1914 and 1926 are made of brick. They have a style called Gothic Revival. This style uses designs often seen in old European churches, like pointed arches and tall windows. These older sections have limestone details.
The 1914 building is shaped like a rectangle with a sloped roof. The front of the church has a very large, tall window with decorative wood patterns. Below this window, there are two entrance doors. These doors are set inside pointed arches, giving them a classic Gothic look.
The Modern Addition
In 1968, a new part was added to the church. This section was designed by Nathan Johnson. It is built in a style called Brutalist. This style often uses strong, block-like shapes and materials like concrete.
The 1968 addition has four floors. The second and third floors have long, horizontal windows that wrap around the building. The windows on the fourth floor are set into a pattern of precast concrete. Below the windows on the second and third floors, there are also precast concrete panels. The flat roof of this section extends out a bit on all sides.
The Church Today
The Second Baptist Church is still an active and important place of worship. It is part of two large Baptist groups: the mostly black Progressive National Baptist Convention and the mostly white American Baptist Churches in the USA. Reverend Lawrence W. Rodgers is the current Senior Pastor. He is the 24th person to lead the church in this role.
See also
