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

Bethlehem Baptist Church

December 27, 2016

1. Bethlehem Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. According to tradition, the earliest congregation, which would become the Bethlehem Baptist Church, was organized circa 1863 by Samuel K. Taylor, a former slave, who preached in the homes of the African-American residents of Gum Springs. Shortly after the Civil War ended the first building was used as both a house of worship and school. The cornerstone was laid for a new church in April 1884. Third and fourth edifices were built respectively in 1930 and 1993. The church grew with the African-American community and continues to be an important center of religious activity in Gum Springs.

Erected 2014 by The Fairfax County History Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Fairfax County History Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.

Location. 38° 44.639′ N, 77° 4.859′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia, in Fairfax County. Marker is on Fordson Road north of Sherwood Hall Lane (Virginia Route 626), on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in front of the Bethlehem Baptist Church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7836 Fordson Road, Alexandria VA 22306, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8

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other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gum Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); Woodlawn Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections (approx. ¼ mile away); West Ford (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Gum Springs (approx. 0.3 miles away); US Route 1 Wall of Aviation (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hybla Valley Airport (approx. 0.4 miles away); Peake Family Cemetery (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.

More about this marker. Although the marker is dated 2013 it was installed in 2014.

Also see . . . History. Bethlehem Baptist Church website. (Submitted on January 1, 2017.)

December 27, 2016

2. Bethlehem Baptist Church Marker

Bethlehem Baptist Church image. Click for full size.

December 27, 2016

3. Bethlehem Baptist Church

This brick structure next to the modern edifice was dedicated on the first Sunday in October 1930.