
Photo courtesy of Pastor Maggie C. Banks.
The unveiling of the historical marker at Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the first phase of Lafayette's new African American Heritage Trail. Left to right: Mathilda Martin, Linda Granger (chairperson / historian), Pastor Maggie C. Banks, Virginia Johnson.
On January 3, community members and Lafayette government leaders gathered at Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to unveil a marker recognizing the building’s significance as an African American landmark.
The plaque is part of the first phase of Lafayette’s African American Heritage Trail, a cultural trek through the city that highlights community destinations integral to the region’s identity.
Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, for instance, was founded in 1872 by people formerly enslaved at Mouton Plantation—making it the oldest official African American church in Lafayette. Before the church was established, Black Protestants would worship in rented buildings or under tents. In 1954, a new, modern construction was built on an adjacent property.
“It is significant so people will recognize the contributions that have been, in some cases, overlooked, of African Americans. We are very pleased, and we are honored.” —Rev. Maggie C. Banks
On the marker, a description of the church’s history and prominence is written in both English and Kouri-Vini (Louisiana Creole). The sign also includes a QR code linking to a website that lists all the Heritage Trail locations across Lafayette, including written histories of the landmarks, as well as voiced recordings, in both languages.
Rev. Maggie C. Banks, the pastor of Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, said the city and church have been in talks for two years to make this phase rollout a reality.
“It is significant so people will recognize the contributions that have been, in some cases, overlooked, of African Americans,” she said. “We are very pleased, and we are honored.”
Banks added that the trail’s importance is critical to show residents of Lafayette—or visitors to the region—how African Americans in the community have made vital contributions to the city over decades. On the third Sunday in February, during Black History Month, Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as a congregation will have a formal dedication of the marker.
Other landmarks on the heritage trail include Holy Family Catholic School, Holy Family Convent, Saint Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Parish, Saint Paul the Apostle Church Bell, Saint Paul the Apostle Parish Rectory, and Good Hope Chapel.
Learn more at the African American Heritage Trail Lafayette website.