First African Baptist Church, Baptist church with Renaissance Revival architecture in Lexington, Kentucky.
First African Baptist Church is a Protestant church building featuring Renaissance Revival architecture in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. It displays tall arched windows, decorative stonework, and a symmetrical facade at the corner of East Short Street and Deweese Street.
The church was founded around 1790 and grew to become one of Kentucky's largest congregations within a few decades. This expansion reflects how the community's importance and influence developed during the early years of the nation.
This congregation served as a vital gathering place for the African American community, offering both spiritual connection and social fellowship that extended far beyond Sunday worship. It became a center where people could gather, support each other, and build lasting community ties.
The building sits at a central location in downtown Lexington at the corner of East Short Street and Deweese Street, making it easy to find. It stands within walking distance of other historic sites and community spaces.
When cholera swept through the city in 1833, Reverend London Ferrill chose to stay and care for the sick while others fled for safety. His decision to remain reflects a personal commitment that became part of the congregation's remembered history.
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