Government of Baptist churches was more decentralized, but an Indiana Association of Negro Baptist Churches was organized. One of the earliest was the Second Christian Church in Indianapolis. A later example is Witherspoon Presbyterian Church, also in Indianapolis. There have also been all-Black Episcopal churches. An increasing number of African-Americans are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Some congregations are largely Black and are served by Black priests.
Spirit of prayer captured at Flanner House, Indianapolis, ca. Courtesy Indiana Historical Society Library. Churches have served the needs of their members through a variety of activities and a network of church organizations. Church choirs and other musical groups have served a spiritual purpose and a social purpose as well as developing musical talents. Sunday schools, men's groups, women's groups, and youth groups have also served social as well as religious purposes through dinners, teas, picnics, and annual outings.