St. John's Baptist Church

St. John's Baptist Church is a place of worship with Gothic Revival features including pointed arches, ornamental stained glass windows, and interior spaces arranged for services and education. The building showcases the architectural style popular in religious construction of its era.

The church was established to serve Jacksonville's African American community during the segregation era. Its design came from McKissack & McKissack, one of the first architecture firms founded by Black architects in the United States.

The church served as a gathering place for Jacksonville's African American community and hosted spiritual practices and celebrations that shaped their lives. Today, people continue to gather here for worship and community connection.

The church is located at coordinates 25.787348, -80.199993 in central Jacksonville and is accessible on foot from downtown areas. Regular services run throughout the week, and visitors should check hours before arriving to ensure entry.

The architects at McKissack & McKissack were among the first Black professionals to design a major building project like this one. This connection to a pioneering firm makes the building more than a place of worship - it stands as evidence of Black excellence in American architecture.

Location: Florida

Architects: McKissack & McKissack

GPS coordinates: 25.78735,-80.19999

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26