Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First Baptist Church
This church, home to one of the oldest continuous congregations organized by African Americans, traces its origins to brush arbor meetings held by 1776 at a nearby plantation. The congregation moved to a Williamsburg carriage house and in 1856 completed a brick sanctuary on Nassau Street. A school for black students opened there in the 1860s. The Rev. John Dawson, longtime pastor, served in the Senate of Virginia from 1874 to 1877. first Baptist moved into its sanctuary here in 1956. During the Civil Rights era, the Rev. David Collins led demonstrations for fair hiring practices and joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke here in 1962.Erected 2018 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number W-108.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The First Baptist Church (a few steps from this marker); MLK Triangle (within shouting distance of this marker); First Balloon Flight in Virginia (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bicentennial Washington (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); Priorities of the College of William and Mary (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 26, 2021
3. Plaque on First Baptist Church
Organized 1776
is placed on the
National Register of Historic Landmarks
by the United States Department of Interior
June 6, 2017
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 155 times since then and 66 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 2, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
