LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — At the corner of South Gaines and 7th Street in Little Rock stands more than a church— it stands a legacy. One of Arkansas’s most treasured landmarks celebrates a milestone that’s not just about history, but heritage and community.
First Missionary Baptist Church in Little Rock, which was founded by an enslaved man, is turning 180 years old. Its story is one of faith, resilience, and leadership—including a historic visit from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The church’s roots stretch back to before the end of slavery with one of the oldest black congregations in the state, and even landing it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places…