WBUR Newsroom Election 2008 CommonHealth Blog Radio Boston Blog Boston Weather Climate Connections BBC World News NPR Top Stories NPR's Morning Edition NPR Topics: Books NPR Topics: Movies Fresh Air All Things Considered Marketplace Submit a News Tip RSS Feeds Podcasts Bicentenary of The African Meeting House By Bob Oakes Listen to story (Real Audio) The oldest African American church in the nation celebrates its Bicentennial this year. BOSTON, Mass. - December 07, 2006 - The Museum of African American History is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the African Meeting House, the oldest black church in the nation. An event last night, held at the Tremont Temple, kicked off a year long Bicentennial celebration that will honor the storied history of the building and help fund its $7 million renovation. It was an evening that featured music, songs, and speeches, all focussed on history and preservation. The highlight came when Governor-elect Deval Patrick took the stage to a standing ovation. He recited an address originally delivered by Frederick Douglass, a foremost leader of the abolitionist movement. That 1860 speech was in response to events a week earlier when a group of so-called "Gentlemen" disrupted a gathering Douglass was leading at the Tremont Temple. The abolitionists retreated to the African Meeting House where Douglass finished his address. We'll hear Governor-elect Patrick read an excerpt of that historic address and we'll hear his opinions on how its themes resonate today. RELATED LINKS The Museum of African American History, Boston    From The WBUR Newsroom State Street May Pay for Risky Investments BOSTON, Mass. (May 09, 2008) Boston-based State Street Corporation may end up paying far more than it's prepared for over its involvement in the sub-prime mortgage crash. State Rejects Home Insurance Hike BOSTON (May 09, 2008) State officials have rejected a plan by the state's home insurer of last resort to hike premiums by about 13 percent. Speculation Over Speaker DiMasi BOSTON, Mass. (May 09, 2008) Amid ethics questions and as some lawmakers jockey for his job, House Speaker Sal DiMasi is keeping a low profile at the State House. We'll report on the speculation over his leadership. Lacrosse v Baseball BOSTON, Mass. (May 08, 2008) In the heart of Red Sox Nation, many high school baseball players are switching to another sport instead. We report on the explosive growth of lacrosse, by almost 60 percent in the last six years.