At the corner of Park and Lincoln Avenues stands First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills. Built in 1908, this solid brick structure has housed the active congregation that traces back to before the Civil War. In 1856, Black Baptists on the Hills joined with American Methodist Episcopals to worship in the home of Dangerfield Early. By 1863, both groups had increased to the point where they could form their own congregations, and First Baptist Church of Walnut Hills was officially started.
See a short video about the church here.
Over the more than 150 years of its existence, First Baptist has been a central institution in Walnut Hills. It’s large sanctuary (1908), pipe organ (1926), educational annex (1965) and — most importantly — dedicated people have reached neighbors near and far. NAACP meetings, National Colored Teachers conventions, mass choir concerts, lectures and much more have been held under the vaulted ceiling of the church.
In January, 2024, Cincinnati gave Historic Landmark Status to First Baptist, honoring its important place in the city’s history.
On this page, you’ll find links to some of our research about the church and its members.