North Chesterfield in Chesterfield County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Bethlehem Baptist Church

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 3, 2021

1. Bethlehem Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Bethlehem Baptist Church, first known as Cox's Meeting House and then Spring Creek Church, was formally organized several miles northwest of here in 1790. Founding pastor Benjamin Watkins served for 41 years. African Americans constituted a significant portion of the congregation before departing to establish separate churches in the 1840s and shortly after the Civil War. From 1880 to 1886, Bethlehem member Nannie Bland David served as a missionary to Nigeria. Her dying words, "Never give up Africa," inspired later missionaries. After relocating once in the 19th century, Bethlehem Baptist moved here in 1897 when its new sanctuary was completed.

Erected 2016 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number O-27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Women. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.

Location. 37° 30.143′ N, 77° 34.453′ W. Marker is in North Chesterfield, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. Marker is on Midlothian Turnpike (U.S. 60) 0.2 miles west of Tuxford Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is

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at or near this postal address: 9700 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond VA 23235, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Railroad in Virginia (approx. 0.9 miles away); Providence United Methodist Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Black Heath (approx. 2.2 miles away); Huguenot Settlement (approx. 2.3 miles away); Trabue's Tavern (approx. 2.7 miles away); Mid-Lothian Mines and Rail Roads (approx. 3.8 miles away); The Bermuda Hundred Campaign (approx. 3.8 miles away); From Mines to Market (approx. 3.8 miles away).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 3, 2021

2. Bethlehem Baptist Church Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 235 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 3, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.