First Missionary Baptist Church

First Missionary Baptist Church sits on South Gaines Street displaying Gothic Revival style with Victorian design principles and detailed stonework throughout. The exterior showcases pointed arches and ornamental details that reflect the craftsmanship of its era.

The congregation began in 1845 and first gathered under a simple shelter before building its first structure in 1847. This marked the start of its long presence as a community gathering place.

The congregation served as a gathering space for people working toward social justice and equality in the region. Today the building reflects this legacy through its role as a place where community members continue to gather and remember this heritage.

Visitors can locate the building on South Gaines Street in downtown Little Rock and view the architecture from outside. Daytime visits offer the best lighting to appreciate the stonework and exterior details.

In 1891 more than 600 people gathered here to organize protests against segregated railroad cars, creating one of the region's earliest coordinated resistance movements. This event became a turning point in local activism.

Location: Little Rock

GPS coordinates: 34.74306,-92.27806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:40