Historic African American Churches

Historic African American Churches

The African American Church has long been considered one of the foundational and most influential institutions in black America.  This page is dedicated to highlighting the oldest of these institutions in states across the nation.  Listed below are African American churches by state which are at least one century old (founded in 1919 or earlier) and which are continuously operating until today.  In other words, one can attend service next Sunday in any church on this list. The oldest continuously operating church in each state is listed in Bold. 

We at BlackPast.org admit that this list is incomplete and that it will continue to grow over time.  If your church is not on this list please consider writing a 500 to 550 word entry for its inclusion.  If you are interested, please contact [email protected]. Do not send in information on your church without contacting BlackPast first. Your entry must conform to the website’s guidelines before it can be added to the list. Nonetheless we invite church members across the United States to add a profile of your house of worship to BlackPast.

Alabama

Huntsville
St. Bartley Primitive Baptist Church, 1808-

Montgomery
Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, 1883-

Arizona

Phoenix
Tanner Chapel AME Church, 1887-

Tucson
Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Tucson, Arizona, 1900-