News Summary
A groundbreaking ceremony is set for the reconstruction of the historic First Baptist Church in Williamsburg, one of the oldest Black churches in the U.S. Originally established in 1776, the church faced multiple destructions and demolitions before the upcoming rebuilding initiative. This project emphasizes the importance of Black history in America and hopes to fill historical gaps related to Virginia’s 18th-century heritage. Archaeological excavations have uncovered vital artifacts from the church’s past, further connecting the community to its roots.
Williamsburg, VA – On June 19, 2025, a ceremonial groundbreaking will take place for the reconstruction of the historic First Baptist Church, an institution recognized as one of the oldest Black churches in the United States. This rebuilding effort aims to honor a rich heritage that dates back to the church’s official establishment in 1776, although members met in secret prior to this, defying regulations that prohibited African Americans from assembling.
The original church was constructed around 1805 by a congregation comprising both free and enslaved individuals, utilizing recycled bricks. However, the building faced destruction when a tornado struck in 1834. Following this, a second structure was erected in 1856, which survived for a century before being demolished in 1956 by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The site was subsequently transformed into a parking lot.
The upcoming reconstruction project is not just about rebuilding a historical structure; it represents a broader narrative that emphasizes the significance of Black history as an integral part of American history, according to church leaders. The redevelopment is expected to help fill a historical gap and enhance the overall interpretation of Virginia’s 18th-century capital.
Archaeological excavations conducted between 2020 and 2024 by Colonial Williamsburg have unearthed the foundation of the original church as well as 62 graves associated with its early congregation. Recently conducted DNA analyses determined that three sets of remains belong to African American males, likely members of the church from the early 19th century. These findings provide a tangible connection to the church’s past and the lives of those who once worshiped there.
The architectural features of the original meeting house, estimated to measure 16 feet by 32 feet, have also been revealed through excavations. Historical findings indicate that there were no glass windows or plaster finishes in the original building. The congregation, which may have numbered around 500 at its peak, drew members from nearby plantations, often resulting in outdoor services due to limited space.
The reconstruction of the First Baptist Church will utilize wood species that were common in the early 19th century and employ traditional building methods to reflect the challenges faced by its early builders. As part of the church’s heritage, special grave markers designed to resemble caskets will denote the burial sites, with distinctive sizes corresponding to infants, children, and adults.
This excavation site has long been a focus of efforts to shed light on African American history, a narrative that has often been overlooked within the Colonial Williamsburg experience until the more recent archaeological efforts began. The completion of the church’s reconstruction is slated for late 2026, coinciding with the celebration of the church’s 250th anniversary.
In recognition of these significant historical discoveries and the communal heritage they represent, a gala was recently held featuring prominent civil rights leader Martin Luther King III, reinforcing the community’s commitment to remembering and honoring its past.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Stamford Advocate: Rebuilding One of the Nation’s Oldest Black Churches
- Wikipedia: First Baptist Church (Williamsburg, Virginia)
- 13News Now: Historic First Baptist Church Dedicate Burial Markers
- Google Search: First Baptist Church Williamsburg
- Smithsonian Magazine: DNA of Oldest Black Church
- BBC Travel: The Illegal Church at the Heart of US History
