St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church

The Birthplace of St. Augustine's Civil Rights Movement

Sitting at 69 Washington Street in Lincolnville, St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church is far more than a historic building. Founded on May 25, 1875, under the leadership of Reverend Ivory Barnes, this Italian Gothic-style church, completed in 1937, was at the heart of St. Augustine's Civil Rights movement. The church continues to carry this legacy forward by serving the Lincolnville community and building strong community ties.

The Civil Rights Movement at St. Mary's

In the heart of Lincolnville, St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church became one of the most important organizing centers for the Civil Rights Movement in St. Augustine. Founded in the early 20th century, the church would rise to national significance under the leadership of Reverend Thomas Wright, a powerful voice for justice in the fight for civil rights.

By 1957, local chapters of the NAACP were gathering at St. Mary's. Young activists trained at the church, learning the principles of non-violent protest before heading into the segregated restaurants and shops downtown. These sit-ins, marches, and rallies helped bring national attention to the injustice taking place in America’s oldest city.

The Freedom Summer of 1964

During the historic Freedom Summer of 1964, St. Mary’s was visited by civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Andrew Young. On July 9, Dr. King stood in the pulpit and addressed a massive crowd, declaring that St. Augustine must not celebrate its 400th birthday under the stain of segregation. That evening, Andrew Young spoke next and then led more than 300 marchers from the church into the heart of the city.

The march turned violent when Young was assaulted by a white man wielding a blackjack. Several protesters threw themselves on top of him to protect him from the attack. Their courage and the images that followed drew national outrage, further fueling support for the Civil Rights Act, which passed later that month.

A Place of Refuge and Resolve

When things escalated in downtown, marchers fled back to St. Mary’s for safety. It wasn’t just a church. It was a refuge, a classroom, and a command post in the battle for equality. Its walls hold stories of bravery and resistance that continue to resonate with those who visit today.

Architecture & Design

Constructed in 1937, St. Mary’s church is built in Italian Gothic style, with a brick facade and pointed windows.

Visitor Information

   St. Mary's is open for Sunday service at 11:00 a.m. For more information call (904) 824-1314.

Explore More in Lincolnville

St. Mary’s is one of several historic churches that tell powerful stories about faith, resilience, and community. Visit our Historic Churches page to learn about other significant community-led sites like St. Cyprian’s Episcopal and St. Paul AME, each connected to the struggle and spirit of St. Augustine’s past.