This historic church has been serving the community since 1870 with a small group of African-Americans who gathered to worship. The church prides itself as being the first Baptist congregation founded by people of African descent. The Romanesque style church building was constructed in 1866. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Find inspiration at Bethany Baptist Church Jazz Vespers. At 6pm on the first Saturday of each month, world-renowned jazz artists can be found raising spirits through music. Enjoy light refreshments afterwards, with an opportunity to meet and greet the artists.