The Story of Ridgefield’s First Black Church

To commemorate Black History Month, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6:30-7:30pm Ridgefield Historical Society volunteer Christine Johnsmeyer will give an illustrated presentation, The Story of Ridgefield’s First Black Church, followed by a reception, at the St. Stephen’s Church North Hall at 353 Main Street in Ridgefield, CT. The snow date is Thur. Feb. 27 at 6:30pm.

Tickets are $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for those who aren’t yet members. Tickets are limited, non-refundable, and are expected to sell out quickly. If you'd like to become a member of the Ridgefield Historical Society click here: https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/ If you aren't sure if your membership is active or expired, please call the Historical Society to find out: 203-438-5821.

Ridgefield’s Goodwill Baptist Church was founded in 1941 by a small group of Black congregants living in and around the Town of Ridgefield. For some 30 years, the church made its home at 29 Creamery Lane, a short walk from Main Street. After initially meeting in the First Congregational church, parishioners acquired and dedicated the Creamery Lane building in 1942. The church saw its parishioners live through the war years, the Second Great Migration, the Civil Rights Movement and a tragic spate of assassinations, including that of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The history of the church, albeit brief, offers insight into the Black experience and the integral role the Black church plays in the spiritual and cultural life of descendants of the enslaved who embraced Christianity.

Ms. Johnsmeyer is a graduate of Manhattanville College with a B.A. in Economics and an M.A. in Humanities. Her love for social history and character-driven narratives has been at the heart of her career, beginning with her work for Historic Hudson Valley as a tour guide for Kykuit, John D. Rockefeller’s estate located in Pocantico Hills, NY, followed by her 25 years experience as an English teacher. Her presentation will focus on the details of the church’s founding and its final years, as well as two dynamic pastors of the church, Rev. John Percell Ball and Rev. DeWitt Stephens, who both played integral roles in the church’s life, exemplifying the significance and cultural importance of the Black church in America’s history.

For more information contact: [email protected] or 203-438-5821 or view ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

St Stephen's Episcopal Church, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, United States