FIRST BAPTIST
CHURCH OF PETERSBURG
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    • Home
    • Who We Are
      • Vision, Mission & Values
      • Pastoral Team & Deacons
      • History
    • Outreach
      • Our Ministries
      • Our Programs
      • Events
    • Get Involved
    • Sunday Service
    • Contact Us
FIRST BAPTIST
CHURCH OF PETERSBURG
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Vision, Mission & Values
    • Pastoral Team & Deacons
    • History
  • Outreach
    • Our Ministries
    • Our Programs
    • Events
  • Get Involved
  • Sunday Service
  • Contact Us

Our History

It began in 1810

First Baptist Church of Petersburg began with a vision from the Portsmouth Association in 1810. By 1813, plans were set in motion to build a Baptist meeting house, and with the help of Rev. Richard Dabbs, an itinerant preacher, a brick building was constructed on North Market Street. 

Starting with just 13 members in 1817, this humble congregation laid the foundation for the thriving church community we are blessed to have today.

Market Street Baptist Church

In 1819, Market Street Baptist Church officially became a member of the Portsmouth Association and played a key role in establishing the first city-wide Sunday School in Petersburg. By 1824, the Sunday School was so well-regarded that the Marquis de Lafayette was welcomed by its children during his visit. That same year, Rev. Fielding Bell became the church’s first regular pastor, serving a congregation of 15 until 1828. 

In 1829, Rev. Gilbert Mason was appointed pastor by the Virginia Baptist General Association. In 1839, after the city began grading Market Street, the church relocated to its new home at the corner of Market and High Streets.   

The Second Baptist Church is formed

In 1854, a group of members from Market Street Baptist Church branched off to form Byrne Street Baptist Church, which later became Second Baptist Church of Petersburg. Around the same time, plans were made to relocate Market Street Baptist Church once again.

A new site on West Washington Street was chosen, and construction began in 1856. 

On January 24, 1858, the new building was dedicated, and the church adopted its current name, First Baptist Church.

First Baptist church West Washington street

Struck by lightening

On July 31, 1865, just seven years after the dedication of First Baptist Church at its new location, the church spire was struck by lightning, leaving the building in ruins—except for the four exterior walls. Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas H. Pritchard, the congregation temporarily worshiped at Old Fellows Hall on Sycamore Street.

As the church was rebuilt between 1868 and 1875, its congregation flourished, doubling from 209 to 427 members. In 1878, the growing church purchased a chapel on West Washington Street and established a mission Sunday School. By March 1882, 42 members of First Baptist branched out to form West End Baptist Church. During this time, the Baptist General Association's Sunday School and Bible Board relocated to Petersburg, with the First Baptist pastor serving as board president until 1908.

In 1912, First Baptist proudly hosted the annual state meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.

A new building and parsonage

Around 1925, plans were made to construct the current building where our congregation worships today. Over the next few years, significant changes occurred, including the construction of a Sunday School Annex and the purchase of a parsonage. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert M. Green, groundbreaking for the new building took place on Easter Sunday in 1928.

Despite delays caused by the Great Depression, the elegant new church was completed and dedicated on May 31, 1931, at a cost of $200,000, with a growing membership of 843.

First Baptist continued to make a meaningful impact in the community over the years. In 1947, the church helped establish the Negro Baptist Children's Home in Chesterfield County, and in 1955, a new parsonage was built on Westover Avenue in the Walnut Hill area. 

The sanctuary underwent a complete remodel in 1958, and the nurseries were renovated in 1965.

Former Pastors

From the 1800s

Rev. Gilbert Mason: 1829-1833

Rev. Wm. Southwood: 1834-1835

Rev. Wm. Snow: 1836

Rev. Wm. Southwood: 1837-1839

Rev. J.P. Tustin: 1840-1842

Rev. J.R. Scott: 1842-1844

Rev. Wm. H. Jordan: 1844-1846

Rev. C.B. Jennett: 1854-1863

Rev. Thomas Prichard: 1865-1868

Dr. W.E. Hatcher: 1868-1875

Dr. T.T. Eaton: 1875-1881

Dr. E.C. Dargan: 1881-1886

Rev. Roland R. Acree: 1887-1892

Dr. H.W. Battle: 1892-1903

From the 2000s

Rev. W. Rand Forder: 2003-2006

Rev. Joseph Womack: 2006-2007

Rev. Robert Byrd Dawson: 2007-Present

Inside the Church

    Church Exterior

      235 West Washington Street, Petersburg, VA 23803

      Mailing Address: P.O. Box 445 Petersburg, VA 23804 | (804) 733-7484 | FBCPburg235@gmail.com

      9:45 AM Sunday School • 11 am Worship Service

      Copyright © 2024 First Baptist Church of Petersburg - All Rights Reserved.