Alexandria in Fairfax County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Bethlehem Baptist Church
December 27, 2016
1. Bethlehem Baptist Church Marker
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.
Marker series. This marker is included in the Virginia, Fairfax County History Commission marker series.
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.
December 27, 2016
2. Bethlehem Baptist Church Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Woodlawn Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); 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); Original Mount Vernon High School (approx. 1.4 miles away); Huntley (approx. 1.6 miles away); Unfolding Views, Hidden Stories (approx. 1.7 miles 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.)
Topics. This marker is included in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education
December 27, 2016
3. Bethlehem Baptist Church
This brick structure next to the modern edifice was dedicated on the first Sunday in October 1930.
By Allen C. Browne, March 17, 2019
4. Bethlehem Baptist Church
Front Door
Front Door
By Allen C. Browne, March 17, 2019
5. Cornerstone
Church
Organized 1865
By Allen C. Browne, March 17, 2019
6. Space is Uninhabitable
By Allen C. Browne, March 17, 2019
7. Bethlehem
Baptist Church
Baptist Church
Samuel K. Taylor, Founder and Pastor
Rebuilt April 1884 and July 1930
W.H. Triplett, Pastor
New Edifice Completed Jan. 1993
Anthony A. Parrish, Pastor
Plaque on 1993 Bethlehem Baptist Church Building.
By Allen C. Browne, March 17, 2019
8. Bethlehem Baptist Church
1993 Building and Plaque
1993 Building and Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2019. This page originally submitted on January 1, 2017. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 1, 2017. 4, 5. submitted on March 18, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 6, 7, 8. submitted on March 21, 2019, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
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