New Orleans' Oldest Black Church Faces Urgent Preservation Battle

First African Baptist Church races to address city liens and code violations before facing demolition

Mar. 24, 2026 at 5:21am

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First African Baptist Church, a 200-year-old landmark in New Orleans' Central City neighborhood and Louisiana's first Black church, is facing a race against time as it battles city liens, code citations, and thousands in fines that must be paid within days. Church leaders and community members are rallying support, planning a cleanup, and seeking donations to stabilize and preserve this historically significant congregation.

Why it matters

First African Baptist Church is a vital part of New Orleans' Black history and culture, serving as the state's first Black congregation since its founding in 1819. The church's potential demolition would be a devastating loss for the community, erasing an important piece of Louisiana's heritage. The church's plight also highlights the challenges many historic Black institutions face in maintaining aging buildings and meeting municipal requirements.

The details

First African Baptist Church is saddled with city liens, code violations, and thousands in fines that must be paid within a matter of days to avoid potential demolition. Church leaders and neighbors are rallying support, planning an April 24 cleanup, and seeking donations to stabilize the 200-year-old building and preserve its legacy. The congregation is one of Louisiana's most historically significant Black churches, founded in 1819 and serving as a hub for civil rights activism and community organizing over the centuries.

  • First African Baptist Church was founded in 1819.
  • The church is facing an impending deadline to pay thousands in fines and address code violations within the next few days.
  • A community cleanup and fundraising effort is planned for April 24, 2026.

The players

First African Baptist Church

A 200-year-old landmark in New Orleans' Central City neighborhood and Louisiana's first Black church, founded in 1819.

Central City Neighborhood

The historic neighborhood in New Orleans where First African Baptist Church is located.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Church leaders and community members are planning a cleanup and fundraising effort on April 24, 2026 to address the urgent preservation needs of First African Baptist Church.

The takeaway

The plight of First African Baptist Church highlights the ongoing challenges faced by historic Black institutions in maintaining aging buildings and meeting municipal requirements. The potential loss of this 200-year-old landmark would be a devastating blow to New Orleans' Black community and the preservation of Louisiana's rich cultural heritage.