The church, described as a "plain and comfortable brick house for worship",[5] was located at Third and Almond (now Market) Street.

An ordinance was passed in 1825 that made it illegal for African Americans to assemble, unless they had a permit and the events were attended by a police officer.

[6] Initially, most of the congregants were African American enslaved people who had permission from their owners to attend church.

The city of St. Louis enacted laws to restrict assembly, education, and religious services for black people.

[5] The school admitted all people who wished to receive an education, and it charged a monthly tuition of one dollar per pupil for those who could afford to pay.

In most cases, the founding members had moved west of the church and desired a location closer to their homes.

On the second Sunday in May of that year, 125 baptisms were performed by Mr. Holmes, a former enslaved man who was emancipated after the end of the Civil War.

[8] A second building was constructed next to the church in 1952 for educational and recreational facilities, including a combination gymnasium and auditorium for up to 3,000 people.