At the Oct. 8 Landmarks Board meeting staff presenter Claire offered a research‑based history of Boulder’s Second Baptist Church, tracing its founding leadership, community role and links to the all‑Black settlement of Nicodemus, Kansas.

Claire said the church’s early organization grew in part from the efforts of Desdemona “Daisy” Horne (born Desdemona Scruggs) and her sister Lulu, who migrated from Nicodemus to Boulder in the late 19th century. The presentation described how the Scruggs family’s experience in Nicodemus — a self‑sustaining Black settlement established after the Civil War — informed the congregation’s emphasis on mutual support, institution building and economic self‑reliance.

Claire outlined a chronology: Daisy and family arrived in Boulder in the 1890s; the congregation ordained its first minister, Rev. Goodwin, in 1900 and purchased its first gathering building within a year; by 1934 trustees purchased property at what is now Canyon Boulevard and 19th Street to serve growing needs, and construction of the new church building began after World War II with community volunteer labor. The congregation celebrated being debt free in May 1948, Claire said.

The presentation highlighted how church members — including Mary and George Reeves, Carrie Lucille Morrison (who hosted students and teachers), and other families — provided boarding, meals and social networks for Black teachers and students who attended the University of Colorado during the early‑to‑mid 20th century. Claire noted that while the congregation moved locations over time, the building at Canyon Boulevard and 19th Street stands as a testament to community perseverance.

Board members praised the research and asked that the material be made publicly available. Planning staff said they will work with communications to post the presentation and related materials online for wider access.