Manchester in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The First Baptist Church of South Richmond

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 18, 2023

1. The First Baptist Church of South Richmond Marker

Inscription. The First Baptist Church of South Richmond, originally known as the African Church of Manchester, traces its origins to 1821, when a ground of free African Americans began meeting for worship. Under the leadership of Dr. Anthony Binga, pastor from 1872 to 1919, the congregation relocated from 7th and Perry Streets to a new sanctuary here in 1892. Binga played a central role in designing the Romanesque Revival building. Dr. William L. Ransome, pastor for five decades and a local civil rights leader, oversaw the construction of an annex in 1969. For more than two centuries, the church has been distinguished by strong ministerial leadership and service to the community.

Erected 2021 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-128.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 37° 31.101′ N, 77° 26.768′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in

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Manchester. It is at the intersection of Decatur Street and East 15th Street, on the right when traveling south on Decatur Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1501 Decatur St, Richmond VA 23224, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dr. Dorothy Irene Height (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dorothy Height (about 500 feet away); Colonel Thomas Stegge, Jr. (approx. 0.3 miles away); Here Rest More Than One Hundred (approx. half a mile away); The African Church of Manchester (approx. 0.6 miles away); Manchester Lodge No. 14 (approx. 0.6 miles away);

The First Baptist Church of South Richmond image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 18, 2023

2. The First Baptist Church of South Richmond

Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge (approx. ¾ mile away); Belle Isle Hydro Plant (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. Manchester Elliott Grays (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed); Belle Isle Rolling Milling and Slitting Manufactory (was approx. 0.8 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,274 times since then and 183 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.