Near Heathsville in Northumberland County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church, the earliest African American Baptist congregation in Northumberland County, originated in 1866 when black members of Coan Baptist Church began holding worship services at the home of Alexander Day. They later worshiped at Howland Chapel School, built just northeast of here in 1867 with funding from New York-born educator, reformer, and philanthropist Emily Howland. Revivals were held under a nearby brush arbor. Led by the Rev. Daniel Payne, pastor for more than 30 years, the congregation erected its first sanctuary here in 1892. The present Gothic-Revival style sanctuary was completed in 1941 under the guidance of longtime pastor Rev. Henry C. Roane.Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number O-74.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1866.
Location. 37° 52.238′ N, 76° 27.399′
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 4, 2021
2. First Baptist Church Marker with the church visible in the background
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Northumberland Academy (approx. 3.2 miles away); Northumberland House and Mantua (approx. 3.3 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); Northumberland Courthouse Square (approx. 3.3 miles away); Northumberland County Confederate Monument (approx. 3.3 miles away); Korean and Vietnam Wars Memorial (approx. 3.3 miles away); Freedom for Slaves of Robert Carter III (approx. 3.4 miles away); World War I Memorial (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Heathsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 5, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
