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Union Baptist Church (Hartford, Connecticut) facts for kids

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Union Baptist Church
Union Baptist Church Hartford CT.JPG
Union Baptist Church (Hartford, Connecticut) is located in Connecticut
Union Baptist Church (Hartford, Connecticut)
Location in Connecticut
Union Baptist Church (Hartford, Connecticut) is located in the United States
Union Baptist Church (Hartford, Connecticut)
Location in the United States
Location 1913 and 1921 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut
Area 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built 1871 (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 very old and important church located in Hartford, Connecticut. It stands at 1913 and 1921 Main Street. This church was first built for a different group, but for many years it has been home to an African-American Baptist community. Under the leadership of Reverend John C. Jackson, this church played a big part in fighting for civil rights in Connecticut. The church building and the house next to it were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means they are recognized as important historical sites.

About the Church Building

The Union Baptist Church is in the Clay-Arsenal area of Hartford. It is on the west side of Main Street, close to Mahl Avenue. The building looks like an old European church. It was designed by Henry Martyn Congdon and built in 1871.

Building Style and Features

The church is made of stone and has a style called Early English Gothic. This means it has tall, pointed arches and strong walls. The building has a cross shape when you look at it from above. It has a rounded back part and short side sections. The main door is on the south side, under a special roofed entrance. Newer parts have been added to the back for offices and other rooms.

A Look at History

The church was built in 1871. It was first known as the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church. This name honored Thomas Brownell, who started Trinity College in Hartford.

The Baptist Congregation's Arrival

In 1925, the Baptist community led by Reverend John C. Jackson bought the church. This Baptist group was started in 1871 by people who had been freed from slavery in Virginia.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Reverend Jackson was a very important leader in the fight for civil rights in Connecticut. He helped make sure the first African-American teacher got a job in Hartford's public schools. Many people from this church community have also held important jobs and roles in the city. They have helped make Hartford a better place for everyone.

See also

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