“A church built by freed slaves?” a woman’s voice rang out, echoing slightly in the warm New Orleans air. “Right here in New Orleans?” Yes ma’am, right here! This, my friends, is Saint Mark Baptist Church. A testament to the strength and faith of the African American community in New Orleans. Founded in 1854, long before the end of slavery, Saint Mark’s wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a beacon of hope, a symbol of perseverance in a time when even basic freedoms were denied. Imagine, if you will, the courage it took for those early members to come together. They faced incredible challenges, meeting under the watchful eyes of those who would rather see their faith extinguished. But extinguished it was not. This church, originally located on what was likely St. Mark’s Street, thrived under the leadership of its founder, Reverend Robert Henry Steptoe, a former slave himself. Now, think about the year 1867, just a few short years after the end of the Civil War. Saint Mark’s became officially incorporated, a testament to the resilience of its congregation. That act, signed by Reverend Steptoe and ten others, marked a turning point. It signified not just a place of worship, but a symbol of newfound freedom and self-determination.
Greater Saint Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church
Established 82 years ago this is Greater St Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. It began in Uptown New Orleans with