First Baptist Church (Lexington, Virginia) facts for kids
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First Baptist Church-Lexington
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Front of the church
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 103 N. Main St., Lexington, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.4 acres (0.16 ha) |
| Built | 1894-1896 |
| Architect | E.N. Bogher, R. Jones, Irk Poindexter, the Moores, Carl Barckhoff |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 06000757 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 30, 2006 |
The First Baptist Church in Lexington, Virginia, is a historic and important building. It was originally known as the Lexington African Baptist Church. This beautiful church was built between 1894 and 1896. It stands as a great example of Gothic Revival architecture, a style that looks like old European cathedrals.
This church played a very important part in the lives of the African-American community in Lexington for many years. Because of its history and unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Contents
Discovering First Baptist Church's Design
The First Baptist Church building is made of large bricks and sits on a strong limestone foundation. Its design is called Gothic Revival architecture, which means it looks like medieval churches. This style often includes pointed arches and tall towers.
Key Features of the Church Building
The church has a special roof shape called a front gable roof. You can also see beautiful stained glass windows. Some windows are round, while others have a pointed arch shape, known as lancet-arch windows. These windows let colorful light into the church.
At the front corners of the church, there are two tall towers. The tower on the right side has a belfry, which is where bells are kept. Above the belfry, there is a tall, pointed spire reaching towards the sky.
Inside the Church
When you step inside, you'll find a large main room called an auditorium. The ceiling of this room is shaped like a half-barrel, which is called a barrel-vaulted ceiling. There is also a gallery, which is like a balcony, supported by decorative posts. Downstairs, in the basement, there are rooms used for classrooms and meetings.
The Church's Important Role
Historically, the First Baptist Church was much more than just a place of worship. It was a central gathering spot for the African-American community in Lexington. Churches like this often served as community centers, schools, and places where people could organize and support each other.
A Community Hub
For many years, the church was a vital part of daily life. It provided a place for people to come together, share news, and work on important community projects. It was a place of comfort, learning, and strength for many families. Its history shows how important churches were in building and supporting communities.
