| ALLEN |
| Elizabeth Marie Allen was born in 1871 and was the daughter of Rev. John C. Allen and Mary P. Allen of Virginia. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Ms. Allen married William Justin Carter on February 17, 1894. Her father, Rev. John C. Allen was pastor of First (Colored) Baptist Church of Baltimore from 1872 until his death in 1904. According to Weishampel's History of Baptist Churches in Maryland (pub 1885) and another history written by Aurora Gibson-Chambers, Historian of First Baptist Church of Baltimore, Pastor Allen was elected President of the Baptist State Convention. First Baptist Church was the first building for worship to be built and occupied by African Americans in the State of Maryland. Little information is known about his early life, however it is known that he graduated from Iberia College. He was also Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. His time there was called the Allen Quarter. |
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| This information is taken directly from the History of the First Colored People's Baptist Church of Baltimore written by Aurora Gobson-Chambers The Rev. John Calvin Allen, Pastor from, 1872-1904, a college trained minister and civic leader having graduated from Iberia College in Onio, entered the pastorate of this church in 1872. It's from this date, remarked one historian, "that the First Church began taking her place as the real Mother Church in its religiouys outreach, prestige and influence." The membership increased beyond the capacityof the Lewis street edifice, (to 300) and very soon the congregation had to find other quarters, if a great work was to be done. In 1875, through the efforts of Reverand Allen, a large lot 70 X 75 on the Southeast corner of Caroline and McElderry Srteets 0 the present 0 was purchased at a cost of $3,500.00. Through sacrifices and denials, in three years the church had paid for it. By 1880, through the aid of the Chirch Extension society, a large and handsome building was erected on this lot, to be deeded to the Church after all the cost shall be secured. The total cost of the ground and building was about $16,500. The structure is of brick which was on the ground when the lot was purchased. It is substantially contrructed, well designed and estimated to seat 1,200 persons. It is of late Victorian styling with Renaissance detailing. Windows throughout the building are of stained glass. Its' architects were John A. and William T. Wilson. H.C. Smyser and Edward B. White were the builders. Mny members of the Society's board gave considerable money and much gratuitous personal supervision to the building of this great church Many members also took great pride in helping to build this great church. ...On the last Sunday in January, 1881, which much joy and enthusiasm, the congregation moved into its new ediface. Before a month had passed fifty converts were baptized...... |