Near Callao in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Rev. Paymus Nutt

(ca. 1817 – ca. 1899)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 5, 2016

1. The Rev. Paymus Nutt Marker

Inscription. The Rev. Paymus (Pyramus) Nutt, born into slavery, helped organize four African American churches in Northumberland County after the Civil War. In 1866 he co-founded First Baptist. Shiloh Baptist, established in 1867, called him to be its first (interim) pastor. He was ordained there and served about 10 years. In 1867 Nutt also became the first pastor of Zion Baptist, Lottsburg, where he served for 25 years. He helped establish Lively Hope Baptist Church in 1880 and was the Northern Neck Baptist Association’s first moderator. The Freedmen’s Bureau identified Nutt as one of seven local African Americans qualified for officeholding under military Reconstruction.

Erected 2015 by Department of Historic Resources. It was dedicated June 4, 2016. (Marker Number O-72.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.

Location. 37° 57.354′ N, 76° 34.464′ W. Marker is near Callao, Virginia, in Northumberland County. Marker is at the intersection of Richmond Road (Route 360) and Owl Town Road (County Route 711), on the right when traveling

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east on Richmond Road. It is in front of Bethany Baptist Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Callao VA 22435, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Greater love hath no man than this (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chambers Stamp Factory (approx. 0.9 miles away); Richmond County / Northumberland County (approx. 1.8 miles away); Cherry Point and Cowart’s Wharf (approx. 2.6 miles away); Holley Graded School (approx. 3 miles away); British Attacks at Kinsale and Muddy Point / The War of 1812 (approx. 3.2 miles away); The War of 1812 / British Attacks at Kinsale and Mundy Point (approx. 3.2 miles away); Northumberland County / Westmoreland County (approx. 3.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Callao.

Also see . . . Rev. Paymus Nutt, Founder, Pastor Virginia Pioneer. This website has a photograph of the Reverend Nutt. “Rev. Paymus Nutt served during very troubled times. During slavery Virginia passed a law in 1832 against allowing Black folk to preach or listen to Black preachers. Can you imagine your pastor being whipped 39 times and sent to jail for preaching a Sunday sermon? It was also against the law to teach a slave to read and write. Public education for any race did not begin in Virginia until 1870. Many

Photographed By J. J. Prats, November 5, 2016

2. The Rev. Paymus Nutt Marker

of the first officers of local churches signed their name with an “X” even in the 1880s as did Rev. Nutt and his wife on a deed late in life. Whether he was ever able to read or write is not known, but the lack of education for Virginians was widespread, making his achievements even more remarkable.” (Submitted on November 6, 2016.)

First Baptist Church, Heathville Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robin Newton, November 30, 2016

3. First Baptist Church, Heathville Virginia

It is on State Route 201 south of Heathville, just past Williams Corner. The Rev. Nutt co-founded First Baptist.

Shiloh Baptist Church, Reedsville Virginia image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robin Newton, November 30, 2016

4. Shiloh Baptist Church, Reedsville Virginia

On Northumberland Highway (U.S. 360) at County Route 646, west of Reedsville near Folly. The Rev. Nutt was its first (interim) pastor.

Zion Baptist Church, Lottsburg Virginia image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Rev. Paymus Nutt Commemorative Committee

5. Zion Baptist Church, Lottsburg Virginia

On Northumberland Highway (U.S. 360) in Lottsburg. The Rev. Nutt was first pastor of Zion Baptist.

Lively Hope Baptist Church, Callao Virginia image. Click for full size.

Courtesy of the Rev. Paymus Nutt Commemorative Committee

6. Lively Hope Baptist Church, Callao Virginia

On Lively Hope Road (County Route 617) between Richmond Road (U.S. 360) and Hampton Hall Road (State Route 202). The Rev. Nutt helped establish Lively Hope Baptist Church.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 746 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on December 3, 2016. 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 3, 2016, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.

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