First Baptist
Struck by lightening
On July 31, 1865, seven years after the new First Baptist Church of Petersburg was dedicated at its new location, the spire of the church was struck by lightning, resulting in the complete destruction of the building -- except for the four exterior walls. The Rev. Thomas H. Pritchard was pastor and during this period of rebuilding the congregation worshiped in the Old Fellows Hall on Sycamore Street.
Between 1868 and 1875, as the church was rebuilt, the Lord was also building up the church's congregation, which doubled from 209 to 427.
In 1878, the ever-growing First Baptist Church of Petersburg purchased a chapel on West Washington Street and formed a mission Sunday School. Four years later, in March 1882, 42 members of the First Baptist Church were "dismissed" from "Old First" to branch out and form the West End Baptist Church. During this same period, the Sunday School and Bible Board of the Baptist General Association was moved to Petersburg. From 1880 until the board was merged with the Virginia Baptist State Mission Board in 1908, the pastor of First Baptist Church of Petersburg served as president of the board. In 1912, the Baptist General Association of Virginia held its annual state meeting at First Baptist.
A new building and parsonage
Around 1925, plans were projected for building the present structure where our congregation continues to worship today. During the next several years changes took place including the building of a Sunday School Annex and the purchase of a parsonage. Plans for the erection of the present building were formulated during the pastorate of Dr. Robert M. Green, and the groundbreaking ceremonies were held on Easter Sunday in 1928 with the turning of the first spadeful of dirt.
Although the depression of 1929 impeded progress, work continued and the elegant building was dedicated May 31, 1931, at a total cost of $200,000 and with a total membership of 843.
Over the years, the church continued to grow in the community with continuing changes and additions. In 1947, First Baptis Church of Petersburg was instrumental in establishing the Negro Baptist Children's Home in Chesterfield County, and in 1955 the congregation built a parsonage in the Walnut Hill area of Petersburg, on Westover Avenue. The sanctuary was completely remodeled in 1958 and the nurseries were renovated in 1965.
150th Anniversary
[Content comming soon]