First Baptist Church of Fincastle, Virginia facts for kids
The First Baptist Church of Fincastle, Virginia, began in October 1831. It was started by enslaved people in Fincastle, Virginia, United States.
A Church's Journey
How the Church Began
In the early 1800s, enslaved people had limited freedom. They could usually only meet for religious services. Even then, a white person often had to watch them.
A man named Father Dempsey invited three Black individuals to sit in the balcony of the local white church. They could listen to the service but could not fully join in. Over time, more Black members joined.
On July 22, 1848, Benjamin Ammen suggested creating a separate African Church in Fincastle. This new church, called the Fincastle African Church, officially joined the Valley Baptist Association on June 23, 1849. It was under the guidance of the white church until 1866.
After the Civil War
After the Civil War ended, enslaved people became free. In 1866, a group of these freedmen bought land for $50.00. This land was purchased from John and Lucy Linkenaugher.
The first church building, made of wood, was later destroyed by fire. Under the leadership of Reverend John "Jack" Jones, the current church building was constructed. The Freedmen Bureau of Philadelphia helped with this project.
The freed slaves built the church themselves. They made the bricks by hand. The church 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 donated what they could.
The Botetourt School Board helped build the church's foundation. In return, the church basement was used as a school for Black children for 20 years. The African-American Baptist Church of Fincastle was then named the First Baptist Church. It became part of the Valley Colored Association, which Elder Jack Jones helped create.
The Twentieth Century
After World War II, many Black families moved away from Fincastle. However, the First Baptist Church of Fincastle inspired six new churches in Botetourt County, Virginia. These churches 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. This video shared the history of African American music.
In 2017, Private Pleasant Richardson's grave was honored. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War decorated it during a Memorial Day event. Private Richardson was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Fincastle. He was a brave soldier and proud of his service. It was fitting that he passed away on Memorial Day.
