Union Baptist Church (Hartford, Connecticut) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Union Baptist Church
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Location | 1913 and 1921 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut |
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Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
Built | 1871 |
Architect | Congdon, Henry M. |
Architectural style | Gothic, Early English Gothic Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 79002634 |
Added to NRHP | August 15, 1979 |
The Union Baptist Church is a historic building in Hartford, Connecticut. It is located at 1913 and 1921 Main Street. This church was first built for an Episcopal group. For many years, it has been home to an African-American Baptist group.
Under the leadership of Rev. John C. Jackson (1866-1953), this church played a big part in helping with civil rights in the state. The church building and the house next to it were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means they are important historical sites.
Contents
Church Design and History
The Union Baptist Church is in the Clay-Arsenal neighborhood of Hartford. It stands on the west side of Main Street. The church is made of stone and was designed by Henry Martyn Congdon. It was built in 1871.
Building Style and Features
The church has an Early English Gothic style. This means it looks like old churches from England. It has a cross shape when you look down from above. There is a rounded back part called an apse. It also has short parts on the sides called transepts.
The main door is on the south side of the building. It is under a special porch with a pointed roof. Newer parts of the building are at the back. These parts hold offices and other rooms.
From Episcopal to Baptist Home
The church was built in 1871. It was first called the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church. It was named after Thomas Brownell. He was the person who started Trinity College in Hartford.
In 1925, a Baptist group bought the church. This group was led by Rev. John C. Jackson. The Baptist congregation itself started in 1871. It was formed by a group of people who had been freed from slavery in Virginia.
Reverend Jackson and Civil Rights
Rev. John C. Jackson was a very important leader. He worked hard to advance civil rights in Connecticut. He is known for helping the first African-American teacher get a job in Hartford's public schools.
Many people from the Union Baptist Church have also held important roles in the community. They have helped make the city a better place.