First Baptist Church (Richmond, Virginia) facts for kids
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First Baptist Church
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Old First Baptist Church, December 2011
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | NW corner of 12th and E. Broad Sts., Richmond, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1839-1841 |
| Architect | Walter, Thomas U. |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000349 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1969 |
The First Baptist Church is a very old and important church in Richmond, Virginia. It was first started way back in 1780. This makes it one of the oldest churches in the city!
Today, you can find the church at the corner of Monument Avenue and The Boulevard. The current leader of the church is Reverend Dr. Jim Somerville. He used to be a pastor at another big church in Washington, D.C.
The first church building was designed by a famous architect named Thomas U. Walter. It was built between 1839 and 1841. This building was made in the Greek Revival style. It looked like an ancient Greek temple with two large columns.
In 1841, some members of the church started their own new church. It was called the First African Baptist Church. During the American Civil War, the church building was used as a hospital. It helped soldiers from the Confederate Army who were hurt. Later, in 1938, the church building was sold to the Medical College of Virginia.
Church Services and Activities
First Baptist Church has two traditional services every Sunday. The 11:00 AM service is even shown live on WRIC-TV. This means people can watch it from home!
The church has many activities, just like other traditional Baptist churches.
- They have Sunday school before the main service.
- There are evening bible studies during the week.
- Music is a big part of the services. You can hear hymns, special songs, and choir performances.
- Sometimes, kids' choirs, youth choirs, or even handbells are part of the music.
On Wednesdays, the church offers a meal and fun activities for everyone. It's a great way for people to gather and spend time together.
Youth Group Fun
The church has a special place for its Youth Group. It takes up the entire third floor of the building! This group is for students from 8th to 12th grade.
Usually, at least fifty young people come to the Youth Group on Sundays. They have their own space to learn, play, and connect with friends.
Amazing Firsts for the Church
First Baptist Church has a lot of "firsts" that make it special. It was a leader in many ways!
- It was the first church of any kind to be started in Richmond.
- It was the first Baptist church organized in a city in Virginia.
- It was the first church in Virginia to create a missionary group for women. This group helped spread their beliefs.
- It was the first church in Richmond to start a Sunday school for children.
- It was the first church in America to send its own members as missionaries to Africa.
- It was the first church in the Southern Baptist Convention to have its own library.
