Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church, historic church in New York, United States
Smith Metropolitan AME Zion Church is a brick historic building at the corner of Smith and Cottage Streets in Poughkeepsie. Constructed between 1908 and 1910 in Late Gothic Revival style, it features a tall bell tower, raised basement, and 21 stained glass windows.
The congregation was founded in 1836 and held its first service in 1837 at Lancaster School. The current building was constructed between 1908 and 1910 after the congregation had grown and relocated multiple times, supported financially by William Smith, owner of the Smith Brothers cough drop company.
Since its founding in 1836, the church has served as a gathering space and forum for the Black community beyond worship alone. The 21 stained glass windows inside carry the names of donors, reflecting how members invested in their spiritual home.
The building sits on a quiet residential corner and is visible from the street. Since it remains an active place of worship, check visiting hours beforehand and enter respectfully.
A framed photograph of the Tuskegee Institute Chapel windows in Alabama hangs in the entrance, a gift from President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his 1939 visit. Those windows display eleven spiritual songs and were designed by Katherine Lamb Tait, a renowned stained glass artist.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
