Chesterfield's Nod to Black Heritage Not Just In Black History Month

The First Baptist Church of Chesterfield cemetery is evidence of the history of a church founded by enslaved black Americans in 1846 at the southeast corner of Chesterfield Parkway West and South Outer Forty.

In this, Black History Month, residents might consider stopping at the sacred resting place, to imagine the log cabin church once there next to the cemetery. It was a very different time—the U.S. Civil War was 15 years away yet.

The cemetery has some newer headstones, and older ones that appear to be carved freehand with sentiments and names. A sign at the cemetery points out that some of the dead have no markers.

The parcel of land for the very first, First Baptist church was supplied by resident Leah or Maria Long.

By 1875, records show there were 30 members, according to the Chesterfield Historical Commission's newest book, Chesterfield Missouri: From Untamed Wilderness To Thriving Municipality.

The log cabin church apparently served as a center for all sorts of activities for its members—church, school, rallies, revivals.

Two new churches were built over the years at the same site, in 1870 and 1911.

The church has since moved to 11 acres on Wild Horse Creek Road, in August 1996.

Despite its now busy location, the shade trees and fencing behind the unlocked gate, preserve a bit of serenity for the living who visit. 

There's a bench to sit, and plenty of parking. The entrance is off Chesterfield Parkway.

The Historical Commission said the cemetery was dedicated as a memorial park and nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.