Emmanuel AME Church

Emmanuel AME Church is a Gothic Revival church building located in Durham, North Carolina, featuring substantial brick walls covered with stucco and positioned on Kent Street. The structure displays characteristic Gothic elements and stands as a notable religious building within the city's landscape.

Richard B. Fitzgerald, an African American brickmaker, donated both the construction materials and land for the church in 1888, establishing this religious building during a formative period for Durham's Black community. His contribution enabled the creation of an important institutional space that has endured for generations.

This church has served as a central gathering place for Durham's African American community since its founding, playing a vital role in the spiritual and social life of the neighborhood. The congregation continues to use the space for worship, celebrations, and community events that connect generations of families.

The church is located in downtown Durham at an easily accessible spot along the main streets of the area. Visitors should check ahead for service times since access may be limited when no events are scheduled.

The walls of this building are remarkably thick, a testament to solid craftsmanship from the late 1800s. This substantial construction approach was typical of religious buildings from that era and shows how durability was central to the builder's intentions.

Location: North Carolina

GPS coordinates: 35.99444,-78.91889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23