kids encyclopedia robot

First Baptist Church (Roanoke, Virginia) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
First Baptist Church
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Location 407 N. Jefferson St., NW, Roanoke, Virginia
Area less than one acre
Built 1898 (1898)-1900
Architect Huggins, Henry Hartwell
Architectural style Romanesque, Gothic
NRHP reference No. 90001840
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP December 6, 1990
Removed from NRHP March 19, 2001

The First Baptist Church was once a very important building in the Gainsboro neighborhood of Roanoke, Virginia. It was a historic African-American Baptist church that stood for many years.

First Baptist Church: A Historic Place

This church was built between 1898 and 1900. It was a large brick building with a special design. The style mixed Romanesque and Gothic details. Imagine a building with strong arches and tall, pointed windows! It also had a unique roof and a bell tower at the front.

What Was the Church Building Like?

The First Baptist Church was designed with a long main hall, called a nave. It had six sections, making it quite spacious. In 1936, a smaller building called a Parish Hall was added. This hall was used for church activities and meetings.

Who Was the First Minister?

The first minister of the First Baptist Church was Reverend Richard R. Jones. He played a big role in the church's early days. Reverend Jones helped guide the church through its planning and construction. He served the church from 1882 until 1904.

When Did the Church Move?

The First Baptist Church congregation used this building for many years. However, in 1982, the church moved to a brand new building. This new place became their main worship center.

What Happened to the Old Church?

Sadly, the historic First Baptist Church building was destroyed. A fire broke out in April 1995. The building was completely lost due to the fire.

Its Place in History

Because of its importance, the First Baptist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This list includes buildings that are important to American history. However, after the fire, it was removed from the list in 2001.

kids search engine
First Baptist Church (Roanoke, Virginia) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.