Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The First Baptist Church

Welcome All

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021

1. The First Baptist Church Marker

Inscription.
The historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg dates its origin back to early colonial days. Blacks were privileged to worship at Bruton Parish Church, but they were not fully included in the worship service. The Blacks built a brush arbor on the Green Spring Plantation, where they worshiped early in the morning, late at night, and sometimes in secret. Blacks built a second brush arbor at Raccoon Chase near Williamsburg, where they gathered for prayers and spiritual strength. Jesse Cole heard of the plight of the Blacks and offered them use of his carriage house in Williamsburg.

The first Baptist church was organized in 1776, by Blacks for Blacks, and was the first Baptist church in the Williamsburg area, Black or White.

1855 - The congregation built a brick church on Nassau Street.
1856 - The church was dedicated and served the community for a hundred years.
1956 - The present church was dedicated.

This plaque was a gift to the church on its 237th anniversary on October 13, 2013, by the History Ministry.

Erected 2013 by The History Ministry of First Baptist Church.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is October 13, 2013.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

37° 16.431′ N, 76° 42.66′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marker is on Scotland Street just west of Prince George Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 727 Scotland St, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named First Baptist Church (a few steps from this marker); MLK Triangle (within shouting distance of this marker); First Balloon Flight in Virginia (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bicentennial Washington (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arthur Azo Matsu (approx. 0.2 miles away); College Camp (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alumni of the College of William and Mary (approx. ¼ mile away); School for Black Children (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 25 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context • Can you help?