Welcome to Transformation Ministries First Baptist Church

A Brief History of First Baptist Church

The story of First Baptist Church is a story of a people in a continuing struggle for the realization of the Kingdom of God in their community. Since 1864, eighteen pastors have leaded thiscongregation in an outstanding leadership role in the life and history of the Charlottesville community. Its motto: "The Church Where Values Become Personal," expresses the commitment of the Church to see that the moral and spiritual values inherent in the Christian faith are not mere abstractions read in the Scriptures. Rather, it is interpreted as a resolution that each member of the Church should experience the transforming power of the Gospel not only in his or her own life, but also in their relationship with other persons.

Prior to the Civil War, slaves and free blacks worshipped with whites under segregated conditions. In the case of the original members of First Baptist Church, blacks worshipped in the "white" First Baptist Church, where they were allowed to sit in the balcony. On March 6, 1863, shortly after the Proclamation, approximately 800 black members presented an application to form their own church and the request was granted several months later.

Initially, this group elected to hold services in the "white" First Baptist under the pastorship of Reverend John T. Randolph, who served as a pastor for both the black and white congregations. Reverend Randolph was succeeded by two additional white ministers, the last of whom, the Reverend John W. George, was instrumental in acquiring the old "Mudwall" building which preceded the present structure on this site. This building was called the Delevan Hotel, and the church came to be known as the Delevan Baptist Church. The first black pastor, Reverend William Gibbons, succeeded Reverend George. Since 1870, First Baptist has had fifteen black pastors.

In 1873, the members received clear title to this property and the building was razed in 1876 to make room for the new church. The new building was completed on October 12, 1883, at a cost of $6,218.60, but the sanctuary was not ready for use until 1884. Since the old Delevan no longer existed, a new name was in order. The Delevan Baptist Church became the First Colored Baptist Church of Charlottesville. It is not known when the term "colored" was officially dropped. After the Civil War, education became a necessity and First Baptist was instrumental in holding instructions within its walls, whereby hundreds of freedmen were educated.

First Baptist members were in the forefront in the area of race relations as far back as 1931. More recently, it was instrumental in establishing the local chapter of the NAACP and the integration of patients at the University of Virginia Hospital. From among its congregation came the first black member on the Board of the Welfare Department and the first black member on the Charlottesville School Board. In 1979, First Baptist joined the Southern Baptist Convention, becoming the only black church in Charlottesville or Albemarle County to hold membership in this organization. First Baptist joined the Baptist General Convention of Virginia almost immediately after its inception and has had numerous members on its executive boards. First Baptist Church was designated a Historic Landmark in 1982.

On April 18, 1993, Reverend Bruce A. Beard was installed as the eighteenth pastor of First Baptist Church. He continues to build on the illustrious history of the church. His vision runs full circle from separation to unity.In keeping with Reverend Beard's vision an annex, The Christian Education Building, was purchased with the view of expanding the knowledge and practice of Christian love throughout the church and community; and . where the Church motto: "Where GOD Is Praised and Disciples Are Made" will bear more fruit.

Originally published, 133rd anniversary : one hundred thirty three years in his hands : remembering the past, shaping the future, keeping the faith : the First Baptist Church, November 10, 1996 Additional Sources: Keeping the faith : a history of the First Baptist Church, 1863-1980, in light of its times, West Main and Seventh Streets, Charlottesville, Virginia / Richard I. McKinney

Beloved, let us love one another. for love is of GOD, and he who loves is born of GOD and knows God He who does not love does not know GOD; for GOD is love. " I John 4:7-8