Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Coburn Hall
— Virginia Union University —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
1. Coburn Hall Marker
Coburn Hall was constructed in 1899 and named for Maine governor Abner Coburn. It held Virginia Union’s original chapel and library collection. Many legendary pastors and scholars preached and lectured in Coburn Hall, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Ralph Abernathy, Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Ms. Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Benjamin Mays, and Dr. W.E.B. DuBois.
In May of 1970, fire gutted Coburn Hall, silencing the pulpit of the chapel until enough money was raised for the rebuilding of the beloved edifice in 1991. One year later, Coburn’s chapel was named for Virginia Union’s seventh president, Dr. Allix B. James.
Erected 2012.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Education. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Mary McLeod Bethune series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 37° 33.678′ N, 77° 27.062′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Virginia Union. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Lombardy Street and Brook Road. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ellison Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Pickford Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Huntley Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia Union University 150th Anniversary Memorial (about 300 feet away); Martin E. Gray Hall (about 300 feet away); Henderson Center (about 400 feet away); First Southern African American Girl Scouts (about 600 feet away); Virginia Union University (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Regarding Coburn Hall. Built in Virginia granite, it was designed by John Coxhead of Buffalo, New York, in late-Victorian Romanesque Revival style along with eight other buildings, six of which survive.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
2. Coburn Hall Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
3. Coburn Hall
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 3, 2017
4. Coburn Hall Builder’s Stone
“Buildings erected 1899 by the American Baptist Home Mission Society; Stephen Greene, President; E.J. Morgan, Corporate Secretary; M. MacVicar, Superintendent of Education; John. H. Coxhead, Architect; A.D. Houghton, Builder.”
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 512 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 15, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
