Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church

The Archer Memorial AME Zion Church: A Historic Hub of Faith and Community

The Archer Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Windsor, CT began in the 1800’s and holds the distinction of becoming the first Black church in Windsor. Throughout the 1800’s African Americans began to settle in this area of town and grew significantly when the civil war ended.

To meet the spiritual needs of this growing African American community, the A.M.E. Zion New England Conference of Churches sent ministers to the area for missionary work to serve the people. At that time, the church was known as the “A.M.E. Zion Church” at Hayden Station. Several years prior to the church formally organizing in 1887, these ministers conducted religious camp meetings lasting 2-4 weeks annually in the summer. They were held in a serene pine grove just north of the Hayden Station/Pond Road intersection even before the first church building was erected in the pines.

Camp meetings were revivals that served to strengthen religious, cultural, social, and communal ties in the black community. In 1908, early members Alexander (Sandy) and Elizabeth Archer deeded property to the church on Pink Street, now known as Hayden Station Road. The original church structure was moved to this location, which became the location of the second church, which was erected approximately a decade after the original church structure burned. The church building that stands today was completed in 1982 and dedicated in 1983. It replaced the second church structure that was condemned in the mid 1970’s. A nearby pond was used by the town for swimming and ice-skating, and by the church for baptismal services.

Despite many challenges over the years, this church and its congregation have maintained their faith and remain active today. Their story is rich with African American history, resilience, perseverance, spiritual connection, and commitment to community.

This site is privately owned and not open to the public.

This is one of six Freedom Trail sites in Windsor.