Founded 1785 by Rev. Daniel Coker, it is the oldest independent black institution in the city, yet very current administering to the needs of the West Baltimore community, it features a stunning Afrocentric mural in the sanctuary; one of the largest AME congregations in the nation; a second church is being built in Baltimore county; Sunday worship -- 7am, 9am, and 11am; 1300 Druid Hill Avenue; 410-523-4273

Enon Baptist Church

Founded in 1893, Enon is in on the cutting edge of community involvement and development. It recently founded the Harlem park Academy which provides disciplined schooling and a healthy dose of math and science for over 100 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in a public, but private-like school; Edmondson and Schroeder Avenues; 410-728-1490.

First Baptist Church

Founded 1836 by Moses Clayton, who was formerly enslaved and became a lay minister; the original church was built by slaves and still contains artifacts such as pictures, newspapers, manumission papers and other memorabilia on display; Sunday worship -- 11 am; 25 N. Caroline Street; 410-675-2333.

Lafayette Square Church

Also known as "metropolitan United Methodist Church"; this church can be traced to the leadership of Truman Pratt (founder of Orchard Street Church) when he led prayer meetings in 1825; Sunday worship -- 10am; 1121 W. Lafayette Street; 410-523-1366.

Leadenhall Baptist Church

Founded in 1873, the church stands as the second oldest black church edifice in Baltimore and is one of the largest; has many notable community outreach programs in South Baltimore; Sunday worship -- 10am; 101 Leadenhall Street; 410-539-9334.

Orchard Street Church/Urban League

A former slave, Truman Pratt founded this church (see photo above) in 1825. It was known to be a key stop on the Underground Railroad on the way to freedom in northern states and Canada (tours by appt.). No longer an active church. It houses the Baltimore Urban League; 512 Orchard Street; Urban League -- 410-467-6400

Payne Memorial AME Church

Founded 1897, Payne featured an eloquent speaker who has subsequently become a bishop, namely, the Reverend Dr. Vashti M. McKenzie, who has written several books; 1714-1716 Madison Avenue.

Sharp Street Memorial United Methodist Church

Founded 1787; founded a day school for African American children in 1797; the first building was acquired at 112-116 Sharp Street in 1802, and was the first church building owned by African Americans; it is the "Mother Church" of African American Methodist in Maryland; in 1825 thirteen members were pioneers in the settlement of Liberia; in 1848 Prince Hall Masons resided at te Church; 1967, Centenary Bible Institute, the predecessor of Morgan State University was established at the church; moved to its current location in 1898. The church also owns Mt. Auburn cemetery. A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK Sunday worship 11am; 1206 Etting Street at Dolphin; 410-523-7200.

St Francis Xavier catholic Church/St. Francis Academy

Established in 1864, it is the oldest African American Catholic Church in the nation; the high school academy is operated by the Oblate Sisters of providence; 95% of recent graduates went on to college; Caroline Street & Oliver Street; Saturday and Sunday worship 7:30am; 10am; & 12:15pm; 410-727-3103

St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church

Founded 1888, it is the first parish in the world dedicated to St. Peter claver, Apostle of Slaves; the church also runs one of the oldest private elementary schools for African Americans in the country. Saturday worship 4pm; Sunday worship 8am & 11:30am; 1546 N. Freemont Avenue; 410-669-0512.

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updated 13 October 2007