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Ballwin, Chesterfield
First Baptist Church of Chesterfield
16396 Chesterfield Airport Road
Open to public / Not Open to public
Open to public

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, one of the oldest historically Black congregations in St. Louis County, was organized in 1856. The church was established on its present site with land given by Mary Long, a local landowner and enslaver. Though the congregation began using the land in 1856, it was not officially deeded to them until 1875—ten years after the end of the Civil War and the formal abolition of slavery in the United States.
The church initially functioned not only as a house of worship but also as a school for African American children at a time when access to education was limited or denied altogether. This dual role made the church a vital cornerstone of the Black community in Chesterfield during Reconstruction and the decades that followed.
The current church structure, completed in 1975, stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring faith of a congregation that has overcome systemic challenges for more than a century. Today, First Baptist Church of Chesterfield continues its legacy of service, faith, and community leadership on Wild Horse Creek.
SOURCE: The historical information presented on this page is adapted with permission from Discovering African American St. Louis: A Guide to Historic Sites by Dr. John A. Wright, Sr. We are honored to share his invaluable research and historical insights, made available through the generous consent of Dr. Wright and the Missouri Historical Society Press. Their dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Black St. Louis is a gift to our community—a testament to those who came before us and a guide for those who walk the path forward.
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16396 Chesterfield Airport Road
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