First Baptist Church (Petersburg, Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Baptist Church |
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| 37°13′24″N 77°24′14″W / 37.22333°N 77.40389°W | |
| Location | 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, Virginia |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Baptist |
| Website | www.firstbaptistpetersburg.org |
| History | |
| Founded | 1774 |
First Baptist Church, started in 1774, was the very first Baptist church in Petersburg, Virginia. It was also one of the first African-American Baptist churches in the United States. This makes it one of the oldest black churches in the nation. The church even started one of the first local schools for black children. In the 1900s, its members were very active in the Civil Rights Movement. Today, First Baptist Church has the biggest community help program in Petersburg.
History
Early Beginnings
The Baptist Church grew quickly in the American Southeast. This was thanks to preachers from New England. They started what was called the First Great Awakening. As more churches formed, they joined together in groups called associations. After the American Revolutionary War, in 1781, the churches in Virginia and North Carolina split. The 21 churches in Virginia formed the Portsmouth Baptist Association. They worked together to create church rules. Later, they focused on missions and Christian education. They also started Sabbath Schools.
The story of First Baptist Church began in 1756. Scattered black members in Prince George County, Virginia started worshipping. They were called New Lights after the Great Awakening. Baptist preachers traveled widely in the South. They welcomed both black and white people. In the early years, these preachers spoke out against slavery. They believed all people were equal in God's eyes. Their message attracted many new members, including enslaved people.
Moving to Petersburg
In 1774, some black New Light members joined together. They were led by Rev. John Michaels. They called themselves the First African Baptist Church. They met in Lunenburg, Virginia on Colonel William Byrd III's plantation. Their meetinghouse burned down in a fire. In 1820, free members of the church moved to Petersburg, Virginia. Petersburg had a growing community of free black people. By 1860, Petersburg had the largest free black population in the South.
When they moved to Petersburg, the church took the name First Baptist Church. They built their first church on Harrison Avenue. This was one of the first black Baptist churches in the colonies. It was also the first Baptist church started in Petersburg.
First Baptist Church believed strongly in education. They created one of the earliest local schools for black children. From the start, black pastors led the church. However, after Nat Turner's Rebellion in 1831, plantation owners became worried. They feared religious messages could cause more revolts. So, in 1832, laws were passed. These laws said all black churches must be led by white pastors. This was to control the messages given. Thomas G. Keen was one of the ministers during this time. After the Civil War, black members took back control of their church. They left the Southern Baptist Convention.
After the Civil War
By 1851, First Baptist had 1,635 members. This made it the largest church in the Portsmouth Baptist Association. By 1865, it had 1,700 members. Rev. Leonard Black was the pastor from 1873 to 1883. During his time, the church grew to 3,600 members. Leonard Black had escaped slavery in Maryland in 1837. He later wrote a book about his journey.
First Baptist Church soon joined a state group of black Baptist churches. This helped them escape white supervision. These black state groups eventually formed the National Baptist Convention, USA. The church continued to grow after the war. Many freedmen moved to Petersburg from rural areas. Church members helped these new city residents.
The current church building is at 236 Harrison Avenue. It was started in 1870 after a fire destroyed the old one. The church kept adding to the building. The steeple was finished during Rev. Black's time as pastor. In the late 1880s, the pastor, Rev. Charles B. W. Gordon Sr., also edited a newspaper. It was called The Pilot. This paper was important for Baptists in Virginia.
Modern Times
Like other big black churches, First Baptist has always helped train new leaders. These leaders worked in education, politics, and business. The church members were very active in the Civil Rights Movement. The church was a place for large meetings. People gathered there for demonstrations, support, and to register to vote.
In 1980, First Baptist built a new education building. It has also bought nearby land for future plans. The church is a strong leader among downtown churches. It has the largest community outreach program in Petersburg. Its programs include education and scholarships. They also offer welfare and family counseling. The church even broadcasts its services on TV twice a week.
See also
