Second Baptist Church

The Second Baptist Church was the first black congregation in Michigan and is the oldest and most distinguished black historical site in the city of Detroit. Since its organization, it has proven to be a highly influential force in the social, political and educational development of the black community. Second Baptist was first organized in 1836 when thirteen former slaves decided to withdraw from the First Baptist Church of Detroit because of discriminatory regulations practiced there. These members then formed the 'Society of the Second Baptist Church,' also known as the 'Colored American Baptist Church,' which held most of its meetings in a small hall on Fort Street, between Beaubien and St. Antoine. In February of 1857, the society purchased the First German Reformed Zion Church, located on Croghan (now Monroe) which is the site of the present church. The church's political involvement began as far back as 1841 when Second Baptist, then a station for the underground railroad, took the lead in the formation of the Amherstburg Baptist Association through which Baptist churches in Detroit and Canada sought to aid both spiritually and materially the ever increasing number of fugitive slaves from the south. Under the wise and spiritual leadership of Reverend William C. Monroe, Second Baptist also proved instrumental in the development of the Canadian Anti-Slavery Baptist Association in 1850. Both associations were of unquestionable value to fugitive slaves and to the abolitionist movement. In its struggle to help secure political equality for black people, Second Baptist held a 'State Convention of Colored citizens' in 1843. The purpose of this meeting, which was the first of its type to be held, was to petition for Negro suffrage. In January of 1865, another state convention was held at Second Baptist for this same purpose. Second Baptist's involvement in the struggle for equality is also strongly evidenced by its association with such prominent historical figures as Sojourner Truth, Frederick Douglass, John Brown, William Lambert, George DeBaptiste, Dr. Joseph Ferguson and others. On the eve of March 12, 1859, Frederick Douglass, after having met with black community leaders at the William Webb house to discuss plans for abolishing slavery, delivered a message at the Second Baptist Church, addressing the black citizens of Detroit. Years later, on January 1, 1863, blacks would gather at the Second Baptist Church for Detroit's first celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Located in the middle of Detroit's black community, Second Baptist has always contributed to its social and educational growth. It aided thousands of black migrants in securing homes and jobs. It also sponsored social affairs for the enjoyment of black citizens. From 1842 through 1846, Reverend William C. Monroe taught and directed a school for black children in the basement of the church. The Second Baptist Church has always been a source of inspiration and encouragement for its members and for the black community. Among its distinguished adults have been Fannie Richards, Detroit's first black public school teacher, who attended Second Baptist, and the late Dr. Ralph Bunche, former Under-Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Prize Winner, who was baptized at Second Baptist in 1927. Recently in 1961, under the leadership of Dr. A. A. Banks, Second Baptist received local, state and national recognition for its distinguished history and achievements when a plaque, donated by the J. L. Hudson Company, was presented to the church by George Romney and former Vice President Lyndon Johnson.

The Second Baptist Church is a three-story Gothic-type structure of red brick with a beige surface-coating, and flat limestone trim around the windows and doors. In the main facade is a large recessed Gothic window with wooden tracery. Three rectangular openings with recessed Gothic windows are located in narrow, recessed sections to either side of the main section. Double Gothic doors separated by a pier, are in the center of the facade. The large wooden doors were replaced by contemporary glass doors. The gable roof is covered with rolled asphalt roofing material. The original one-story church was converted into a two-story building and an auditorium was added. In 1914, the church was almost destroyed by fire and a new structure was built around the old. In 1926, an activities building was constructed at the west of the church proper. In 1968 an office and educational building was constructed to the east of the church proper. (This addition is not to be included as part of the designation.)