Culpeper in Culpeper County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Historic Antioch Baptist Church

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 3, 2021

1. Historic Antioch Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Among the oldest churches in Culpeper, Antioch Baptist Church originated in the 1850's. Separated from the Mount Pony Baptist Church, Antioch was first called "The African Church," organized in 1859. The first congregation, also referred to as free worshippers, met at a Confederate barracks located near the railroad station. According to Church records, the Antioch Baptist Church was founded in 1865, and under the direction of Reverend Harrison Blair, Henry Lightfoot, Alexander Hart and Alexandria Jackson, the Church was relocated to a lot near Locust Street. The Locust Street Church was destroyed by fire around 1873. The Trustees then relocated to a brick warehouse building near the railroad station until 1886. The fourth and final move, to this site occurred in 1886 and the current sanctuary was constructed.

Historic Antioch Baptist Church has enjoyed a long history in Culpeper and continues to serve the community. This Church is a place of spiritual and social life and serves as a monument of religious freedom.

Antioch Baptist Church is located in the Town of Culpeper's National Register District and the Virginia Landmarks Register and is a significant landmark within the Town's Historic District.

Antioch's Growth can be attributed to the following pastors:
Harrison Blair - William E. Barrett
Welsh Blair

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- Robert C. Davis
Samuel Toliver - Howard Anderson
Willis J. Madden - Ulysses Martin
Isadore Richards - Milton L. Branch, Sr.

Erected by Town of Culpeper.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 38° 28.378′ N, 77° 59.889′ W. Marker is in Culpeper, Virginia, in Culpeper County. Marker is at the intersection of South West Street and Culpeper Street, on the right when traveling south on South West Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 202 South West Street, Culpeper VA 22701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Blair Property and Sugar Bottom (within shouting distance of this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Confederate Memorial (about 400 feet away); A.P. Hill's Boyhood Home (about 600 feet away); George Washington (about 700 feet away); The Gallant Pelham (about 800 feet away); Mountain Run Watershed (approx. 0.2 miles away); Yowell Meadow Park (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Culpeper.

More about this marker. In the upper left is a photo of the church captioned, Built in 1886, Antioch Baptist Church, located at 202 S. West Street, serves as
Photographed By Craig Swain, October 11, 2008

2. Historic Antioch Baptist Church
a fine example of Vernacular Gothic church architecture. Below it is a photo of the church cornerstone.

To the right of the text is a 1912 photograph at Antioch Baptist Church located at 202 S. West Street. Sunny Fountain Lodge No. 1897 and Autumn Leaf Household of Ruth No. 1556, Anniversary Service at Culpeper Virginia, May 14, 1912.

Below is a 1959 Photograph of Antioch Baptist Church congregation at worship.

Also see . . . Culpeper Historic District Nomiation. (PDF) The national register documentation includes background information on the church. (Submitted on October 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Additional commentary.
1. Church Cornerstone
The stone is partially correct. Antioch was originally started in 1859 and reorganized in 1865 after the Civil War. The Church was originally in the Mt. Pony Association, then was known as the African Church and reorganized as the Antioch Baptist Church.
We will be celebrating our 150th Anniversary in July 2009.

— Submitted May 26, 2009, by Rev. Dr. Milton L. Branch,Sr of Culpeper, Virginia.

Church Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, October 11, 2008

3. Church Cornerstone

Credits. This page was last revised on April 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,048 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 4, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2, 3. submitted on October 19, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.