By 1806, Boston already had its fair share of churches, but the modest, brick church that rose over Beacon Hill late that year was unlike anything the city — or America — had ever seen.
By the early 19th century, Boston was a hotbed for the country’s burgeoning abolitionist movement, and yet, African Americans here still faced an extraordinary uphill battle for equality, at the ballot box, in the schools — even at church.
“They are relegated to balconies and spaces where they are not full members,” said Beverly Morgan-Welch, director of Boston’s Museum of African American History. Consider the story she tells, of a black family in Boston who did exactly what white families of the day did at their church of choice – they purchased a pew.
“They purchase it and then, 'Uh, we didn’t mean to sell you the pew, it would be better if you didn’t have a pew, we’ll give you back your money,'” she said. “They refuse to take the money and when they arrive in church the next Sunday the pew is gone.”
And so the movement began — to build a church in Boston where African Americans were fully welcomed.
“They form both a committee of blacks, and then a white committee that helps in the fundraising as well, and secure approximately $7,700 in order for them to complete the building of the church,” Morgan-Welch said.
Built on Beacon Hill, almost entirely by black artisans, it took just over a year to be completed. It was commonly known, as it is today, as the African Meeting House.
“They truly give considerable thought to all that will occur in that space,” Morgan-Welch said. “That they will worship together, they will have a Sabbath school, they will also be able to have concerts. Organizations will be able to have their meetings in this space.”
And boy did the organizations come a-callin’.
“The Afrique Female Intelligence Society, Masonic meetings, the Colored Young Men’s College, The Massachusetts General Colored Association … ” Morgan-Welch said.
In 1832, it’s where William Lloyd Garrison founded the New England Anti-Slave society.
“It not only changes the game for African Americans in Boston,” Morgan-Welch said. “It changes the game for African Americans in free black northern communities.”
From Portland, Maine, to Portsmouth, N.H., Black Meeting Houses sprung up across the North. And as the country grappled with abolitionism and a bloody Civil War, the African Meeting House became the center of a growing network — and an indispensable space — for refuge and rallying.
“Gatherings to secure the Massachusetts 54th regiment were held there,” Morgan-Welch said. “Some of the finest musical events of the year played to adoring crowds and critical acclaim. It is an amazing space where Frederick Douglass often gave speeches that absolutely changed the nation.”
But by 1900, the black community was migrating from Beacon Hill to the South End and Roxbury, establishing newer, larger churches for a growing community.
“The Jewish Immigrant community begins to move onto Beaocn Hill, and they purchase the Meeting House to become a Synogogue,” Morgan-Welch said.
And for some 70 years it remained so, until 1972, when the Museum of African American History purchased the building. In 2011, they brought it back to its 1855 appearance. Today, it the Museum’s centerpiece — open for all to experience.
“The museum preserves this sacred place because we believe that all Americans — anyone — will find there an understanding of what it means to be engaged in the important ideas and ideals around freedom and democracy, especially as it evolves in this country and around the world,” Morgan-Welch said.
The African Meeting House, the oldest African American church still standing, was dedicated on Beacon Hill in Boston, 208 years ago this week.
If you have a forgotten tale from Massachusetts history, or if there is something you’re just plain curious about, email Edgar at Curiosity-desk-at-wgbh-dot-org.
