NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – One of the oldest African American congregations in the country is in danger of being lost forever.

It’s here in New Orleans, and its pastor is asking for help from the community.

The historic First African Baptist Church in New Orleans is at risk.

Pastor William Brent chokes back emotion as he enters the sanctuary of a church first founded in 1817 — nearly 50 years before the end of slavery.

“It was a monumental moment in the history of our people being freed slaves,” said Brent.

In its early years, Black worshipers were not allowed to gather on their own. To hold services legally, they had to be “sponsored” by a white church, meaning their meetings were monitored and strictly controlled.

“It was the First Baptist Church on St. Charles that assisted because they had to meet under the watchful eye of a white congregation and they had to have two policemen present and if they met for over two hours they would be jailed,” said Brent.

Despite restrictions, First African became the first African American congregation incorporated in Louisiana, eventually relocating to its current location on Third Street in 1947.

“For me the shoulders that we stand on today makes it possible for what we do today,” said renowned singer Irma Thomas, a longtime member of the congregation and its choir.

“Whenever they would call me and they wanted me to do something to raise funds, I would still participate any way I could,” said Thomas.

Thomas said she performed benefits to help fund an elevator and other improvements. She told her husband that Emile helped install carpet, air conditioning, and even a new roof.

“I don’t know where to start at — I did everything, whatever it needed, I did it,” Emile Jackson said.

Now, Thomas and others worry about the building’s condition. The Louisiana Landmarks Society recently listed it among the most endangered historic buildings in the city.

“You have the freedom now to have service at the church. It was built on the back of people who didn’t have freedom, and it’s very important,” said Thomas.

“Once that’s gone the historic fabric of the city is irretrievably lost,” said Michael Mancuso, with Louisiana Landmarks.

Neighbors who witnessed generations of marriages, baptisms and funerals say the church is sorely missed.

“Very sad. People would come by and say I remember that church, and I would say Yes, I do too,” said former member Willie Mae Conerly.

The interior of First African Baptist is ornate and magnificent. The woodwork is impressive. But there is a lot of work to be done. It’s an incredible mission — one Pastor Brent says he’s devoting his life to.

“Oh yes, always hope,” said Brent.

Water damage is evident throughout the massive church, but the sanctuary remains remarkably intact. Expansive woodwork around a graceful upper balcony has survived — but thieves have taken a toll.

“All the pulpit furniture is gone, even the podium is gone,” said Brent, who says he needs help.

“I’m not gonna quit. I know it’s bigger than me,” said Brent.

“They’re going to need help from the entire state in order to get that church into a working situation,” said Thomas.

Experts estimate the restoration could cost several million dollars.

“The congregation simply doesn’t have the funds to restore,” said Michael Duplantier, with Louisiana Landmarks.

“What I would like to do is put together some sort of oversight board, a board that would get receipts as to how the money is being spent to make sure everything is above board,” said Brent.

Supporters pray for a miracle — for a church that helped hundreds endure slavery at a time when most were prohibited from gathering in public.

“It’s heart-wrenching, but I’m determined,” said Brent.

“To see it fall apart would be very sad… very sad,” said Thomas.

First African Baptist sits a block away from New Zion Baptist Church, where the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was founded. Pastor Brent says both churches were vital to the civil rights struggle and could be part of a civil rights trail. Brent has set up a First African Church preservation fund at Hancock Whitney Bank for anyone wishing to help with the restoration.

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