Portsmouth church was open to former slaves in 1800s and race and religion discussions in 1960s

BLACK HISTORY MONTH, WE’RE TAKING A LOOK AT SPOTS YOU CAN VISIT ALONG NEW HAMPSHIRE’S BLACK HERITAGE TRAIL, SAINT JOHN’S CHURCH IS LOCATED ON CHAPEL STREET IN PORTSMOUTH. CHURCH RECORDS FROM 1807 SHOW A $1 CHRISTMAS GIFT WAS PAID TO SOMEONE LISTED AS VENUS. THE GIFT INDICATES SHE WAS FREE AND THAT HER FORMER OWNER WAS LIKELY A CHURCH MEMBER. IN 1963, THE SEACOAST COUNCIL ON RACE AND RELIGION STARTED HOLDING DISCUSSIONS AT THE CH

As part of Black History Month, WMUR is showcasing spots people can visit along the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire.St. John's Church is located on Chapel Street in Portsmouth.Church records from 1807 show a $1 Christmas gift was paid to someone listed as Venus.The gift indicates Venus was free and that her former owner was likely a church member.Meanwhile, in 1963, the Seacoast Council on Race and Religion started holding discussions at the church. The organization disbanded in 1972.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. —

As part of Black History Month, WMUR is showcasing spots people can visit along the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire.

St. John's Church is located on Chapel Street in Portsmouth.

Church records from 1807 show a $1 Christmas gift was paid to someone listed as Venus.

The gift indicates Venus was free and that her former owner was likely a church member.

Meanwhile, in 1963, the Seacoast Council on Race and Religion started holding discussions at the church. The organization disbanded in 1972.

>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<

Portsmouth church was open to former slaves in 1800s and race and religion discussions in 1960s

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