First Baptist Church of Fincastle, Virginia facts for kids
The First Baptist Church of Fincastle, Virginia is a historic church with a special story. It was started in October 1831 by enslaved people in Fincastle, Virginia, which is in Botetourt County, Virginia. This church became a very important place for the African American community in the area.
A Church for Everyone
How the Church Began
In the early 1800s, enslaved people in Virginia faced many challenges. They were often only allowed to gather for religious services if a white person was watching. Despite these rules, people found ways to practice their faith.
A man named Father Dempsey helped. He allowed three Black individuals, one of whom was enslaved, to sit in the balcony of the local all-white church. They could listen to the service, but they could not fully join in. Even with these limits, more and more Black people wanted to be part of the church.
By July 22, 1848, a man named Benjamin Ammen suggested that a separate "African Church" should be formed in Fincastle. This new church, called the Fincastle African Church, was officially recognized by the white church's Valley Baptist Association on June 23, 1849. For a while, the white church kept a "watchful eye" over it, but this oversight ended in 1866.
Building a New Future
After the American Civil War ended in 1865, enslaved people became free. These newly freed people worked to build their own community and institutions. In 1866, a group of freedmen bought a piece of land for $50.00 from John and Lucy Linkenaugher. This land would be the home of their new church.
The first church building, which was made of wood, was sadly destroyed by fire. But the community did not give up! Under the leadership of Reverend John "Jack" Jones, they decided to build a stronger, more lasting church.
The new church was built by the freed slaves themselves, with help from the Freedmen Bureau in Philadelphia. The Freedmen Bureau was an organization that helped former slaves after the Civil War. The church's bricks were made by hand, and its walls are very thick, about 8 to 11 inches!
Captain Charles S. Schaffer, a Baptist missionary from the north, also helped. Even though the former slaves had very little money, they gave donations to help build their church. The Botetourt School Board also helped build the church's foundation. In return, the church agreed that its basement would be used as a school for Black children in the town for 20 years.
The African-American Baptist Church of Fincastle was officially named the First Baptist Church. It became part of the Valley Colored Association, which was first started by Elder Jack Jones.
A Growing Legacy
As time went on, especially after World War II, many Black families from the Fincastle community moved to other areas. But the First Baptist Church of Fincastle continued to inspire new churches. Six new Baptist churches in Botetourt County, Virginia were started from its roots. These include Lapsley's Run Baptist Church, Springwood Baptist Church, Amsterdam Baptist Church, Gravel Hill Baptist Church, Hardy, Virginia, Midway Baptist Church and Lily of the Valley Baptist Church.
In 1980, the church choir took part in a video project about the history of African American music. This showed the church's ongoing role in preserving culture and history.
In 2017, a special event took place at the church's graveyard. The grave of Private Pleasant Richardson was honored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War during a Memorial Day ceremony. Private Richardson was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Fincastle. He was a brave soldier and very proud of his service. It was fitting that he passed away on Memorial Day. Both he and his wives are buried in the church's graveyard.
