Centennial Baptist Church, Protestant church building in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas.
Centennial Baptist Church is a Protestant church building showcasing Gothic Revival design with two towers flanking a central gable. The exterior displays pointed-arch windows and architectural details supported by buttresses that frame the entrance.
The church was built in 1905 and designed by a congregation member who was a skilled local craftsman. It received National Historic Landmark designation in 2003, recognizing its importance to the nation's heritage.
The church served as a gathering place for African-American Baptist communities, where people came together to share ideas and strengthen their bonds. Today, visitors can see the spaces where these important meetings and celebrations took place.
The building experienced significant damage from a tornado in 2020, which affects its current condition and visitor access. Check ahead before visiting to confirm which areas are open and safe to explore.
The church is directly connected to a leader who guided a major national Baptist organization from 1895 to 1922 and shaped African-American religious life. It remains the only surviving structure linked to this influential historical figure.
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