Charles Street Meeting House, Baptist meeting house in Beacon Hill, Massachusetts
The Charles Street Meeting House is a federal-style building in Beacon Hill with red brick walls, white trim, and a central tower positioned on the street corner. Its original exterior has been carefully maintained even as the interior now contains offices and retail shops following a major 1982 renovation.
Built in 1807 by architect Asher Benjamin, the building originally served as a Baptist church in this historic neighborhood. The structure was repurposed in 1876 when it became the First African Methodist Episcopal Church, reflecting changing needs of the community.
This site served as a gathering place for people working against slavery before the Civil War. The building's role in these movements remains evident in how the space is remembered today.
The building is easy to see from the street though the interior is not open to the public, as it now houses private offices and shops. It sits in a residential neighborhood where walking is easy and the structure is visible from multiple angles along the block.
In 1836, Timothy Gilbert protested racial segregation within the church and was expelled for his stance. His bold action ultimately led to the founding of Boston's first integrated religious space, marking an important moment of resistance.
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