Court Street Baptist Church facts for kids
|
Court Street Baptist Church
|
|
Court Street Baptist Church, Lynchburg VA, November 2008
|
|
 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 6th and Court Sts., Lynchburg, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1879 |
| Architect | Burkholder, Robert Calhoun |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004569 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | July 8, 1982 |
The Court Street Baptist Church is a very important building in Lynchburg, Virginia. It stands tall in the city's skyline and shows the strong history of the Black Baptist community there. This church was started in 1843. It was first called the African Baptist Church of Lynchburg, and it was the very first Black Baptist church in the city. A person named R.C. Burkholder designed the church, and it was finished in 1880.
Contents
A Special Place in Lynchburg
The Court Street Baptist Church is one of the most recognizable buildings in downtown Lynchburg. Its tall structure makes it stand out against the city's other buildings. It's not just a church; it's also a symbol of strength and history for the African-American community in Lynchburg.
The Church's Beginning
The story of the Court Street Baptist Church began in 1843. At that time, it was known as the African Baptist Church of Lynchburg. This was a big deal because it was the first church of its kind for Black Baptists in the city. Starting a church like this was an important step for the community. It gave people a place to worship, gather, and support each other.
A Landmark Building
The church building you see today was designed by an architect named R.C. Burkholder. Construction started in 1879 and was completed in 1880. The design of the church is quite grand, showing the importance of the congregation. Over the years, the church has been a center for community life and spiritual guidance.
Why It's Important Today
The Court Street Baptist Church is recognized as a historic landmark. It was added to the Virginia Landmarks Register on June 16, 1981. Soon after, on July 8, 1982, it was also placed on the National Register of Historic Places. These honors mean that the church is considered a very important part of both Virginia's and the nation's history. It helps us remember the past and the contributions of the Black Baptist community in Lynchburg.
