First Evangelist Baptist Church

Did the year 1826 hold any significance for New Orleans? It marked the genesis of the First Evangelist Baptist Church. This wasn’t just another church. It was the first organized body of Black Baptists in the city. Before the Civil War, a resilient group of enslaved individuals dared to gather and worship. They faced legal restrictions against Black preachers and public gatherings. Yet, their faith burned brightly. One of the first pastors, Asa Goldsbery, was silenced by authorities. He was forbidden to preach for six months. Despite this, the First Evangelist Baptist Church continued to grow. These early members met in secret, often in a schoolhouse on Burgundy Street, with leaders like Moses Jackson guiding their flock. The church’s very existence was an act of defiance, a testament to their unwavering faith. They laid the foundation for a thriving Baptist community that would flourish in later years. By 1827, the church boasted around twenty members, a beacon of hope in challenging times. The First Evangelist Baptist Church and its offshoots played a pivotal role in the growth of the Baptist faith in and around New Orleans. They baptized an estimated 3,000 people. They established branches throughout the city. Their influence extended along the Mississippi River. This vibrant community continued to grow. By the mid-19th century, their numbers swelled to approximately 7,000, a testament to the church’s enduring impact on the religious landscape of New Orleans.