Churches

Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church holds a distinguished place in history as the home of Reverend John Jasper, one of the most renowned African American preachers of the 19th century. Reverend Jasper, along with several organizers, established the church in 1867 in a former Confederate horse stable on Brown’s Island. By 1869, the congregation relocated to its current site at 14 Duval Street, the former Duval Street Presbyterian, where the present sanctuary was constructed in the late 1880s. The church’s construction was led by George W. Boyd, a prominent African American contractor regarded as one of Richmond's most skilled builders of the late 19th century.

Reverend Jasper gained national fame for his iconic sermon, "De Sun Do Move," first preached in 1871. He delivered this sermon over 250 times across multiple states and even before the Virginia state legislature, earning widespread acclaim. Reverend Jasper's leadership and legacy continued to shape the church until his passing in 1901. 

In 1925, the church was remodeled and extended by architect, Charles T. Russell.

Today, Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church is recognized as a historic landmark, listed on both state and national historic registries, reflecting its cultural and historical significance in Richmond and beyond.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

Ebenezer Baptist Church, founded in 1856, has a rich and storied history rooted in the African American experience in Richmond, Virginia. It began as the Third African Baptist Church, created by members of the First African Baptist Church who sought to establish a new congregation for people of color. With the leadership of Rev. Dr. Robert Ryland, the committee found a location at the corner of Leigh and Judah Streets, a site chosen after a member, Mr. Benjamin Harris, shared a prophetic vision. The church's first building was constructed in 1858, and its dedication marked the beginning of a vibrant community of worship. The church grew steadily, and by the end of the Civil War, it was firmly rooted in the religious and social fabric of the community. 

In 1902, Rev. Dr. William H. Stokes became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, a position he held for over two decades, transforming the congregation and its influence. Under his leadership, Ebenezer saw tremendous spiritual growth, with hundreds of baptisms and conversions. Dr. Stokes was deeply committed to both spiritual and educational development, which he viewed as integral to the church’s mission. He became the editor of the Lott Carey Herald, a publication dedicated to missionary work, and worked to expand the church's outreach efforts. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Ebenezer as a center of not only spiritual life but also community engagement. Dr. Stokes' vision for Ebenezer helped the church become a beacon of hope for African Americans in Richmond during a time of significant social and political change.

Community outreach was a hallmark of Ebenezer Baptist Church throughout its history, and Rev. Stokes’ leadership laid the groundwork for many of the church's long-standing programs and services. In addition to religious services, the church began offering educational programs, including a kindergarten in Richmond, organized by Mrs. Druscilla Gilpin. Ebenezer also became home to several other key organizations, such as the Women’s Missionary and Educational Circle, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Campfire Girls. During his tenure, the church grew into a hub for social activism and community service, providing a space for both religious and educational growth for African Americans in Richmond. The church’s influence extended beyond its walls, contributing to the development of the local community and supporting important causes like the creation of the YMCA and the Baptist Young Peoples Union.

Today, Ebenezer Baptist Church continues to serve as a vital institution in the Richmond community, carrying forward the legacy of its founders and past leaders like Rev. Stokes. The church’s commitment to outreach and community service remains strong, with programs that address the spiritual, educational, and social needs of its congregation and the wider community. The church has also undergone significant renovations, including the removal of its steeple in the early 20th century and a major building project that began in 1990. 

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

First United Presbyterian Church began in 1890 as a mission with 14 members under the leadership of Rev. James E. Rawlings. The mission quickly grew and became formally established as First Presbyterian Church in 1892. Initially, it had four officers: two ruling elders and two deacons. In 1893, a brick and stone building was constructed on the corner of Monroe and Catherine Streets, providing a place for worship and religious instruction. Over time, the church became an important part of its community, offering support and spiritual guidance to its members. 

Rev. Rawlings retired in 1899, and the church was led by several pastors over the next several decades. Notably, Rev. Herman V. Wiggins served as pastor from 1949 to 1962, a period during which the church experienced growth and strengthened its community ties. Other notable leaders included Rev. Robert Hare (1963-1968) and Rev. Eugene James (1969-1982), under whose leadership the church made the significant decision to relocate. In 1974, the church moved to its current location at 3401 North Avenue, and the new building was dedicated on May 4, 1975.

The church continued to grow under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Willie Woodson, who served from 1985 to 2014. During his tenure, the church saw the introduction of many ministries, such as the Daughters of Imani and the Food Pantry, which became vital parts of the church's outreach efforts. In 1990, the church celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand event at Virginia Union University, and the mortgage note was burned in a symbolic act of financial freedom. Rev. Woodson's leadership also included the construction of the Willie Woodson Educational and Outreach Building, further cementing the church's commitment to community development.

Today, as First United Presbyterian, the congregation continues its mission of serving both God and the community. In the 1990s, the church began planning for expansion, which included purchasing additional property to facilitate further growth and ministry. In 1997, the church adopted the "Vision For A Vital Church" initiative, which remains a cornerstone of its mission. The church launched a Capital Campaign in 2003 to fund these efforts, and it continues to thrive through the dedication of its congregation. Rev. Mary Newbern-Williams currently leads the church, becoming its first female pastor in 2021. Under her guidance, the church remains a beacon of faith and community service, staying true to its mission of promoting growth and doing the will of God.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

Hood Temple African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church, originally named Zion Mission, was founded in 1910 by Omonus I. Walden to serve the spiritual needs of Southern migrants seeking a place of worship. With the support of charter members and under the initial pastoral leadership of Rev. O. J. Jenkins, the congregation grew and held services in various locations, including True Reformers Hall and Samaritan Hall. By January 1913, the congregation moved to the "Little Leigh Street Church" near 1st and Leigh Streets. Later that year, Rev. J. C. Stevenson became pastor, guiding the church through a period of growth fueled by Methodists from neighboring states.

In 1917, Rev. P. R. Flack assumed leadership and, with Rev. Jenkins' assistance, secured the current property. The following year, the church was renamed Hood Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in honor of Bishop James Walker Hood, a pioneer in establishing A.M.E. Zion Churches in the South. The building, originally constructed as Clay Street Methodist Church in 1854 by architect Albert West, features Italianate and Gothic architectural elements and remains a landmark in Richmond’s Jackson Ward Historic District. The church continues to be affiliated with the A.M.E. Zion denomination, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Over its history, Hood Temple has been led by numerous distinguished pastors, including Rev. J. C. Stevenson (1913–1917), Dr. E. B. Watson (1934–1940), and the first female pastor, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin (2017–2020). The church's legacy reflects its adaptability and commitment to serving the spiritual and community needs of Richmond's African-American population, evolving from humble beginnings into a cornerstone of the Jackson Ward community.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

Founded in 1861 as a mission of St. James' Episcopal Church, it initially served a congregation of freemen, women, and indentured servants. Despite the destruction of the church structure in 1865, the congregation continued to meet in members' homes. The church's Sunday school, which flourished even during the Civil War, later became a Freedmen's School, teaching reading, writing, sewing, and music to both Black and white students. 

By 1879, St. Philip’s had its first permanent Black rector, Rev. Thomas White Cain, who helped the church grow and establish itself as an independent parish. In 1896, a brick church was constructed at St. James and Leigh Streets. The church became self-sustaining in 1920 and continued to expand its influence in the community. By 1959, St. Philip’s moved to its current location on Hanes Avenue in Barton Heights, continuing to provide spiritual services to a predominantly African American congregation of around 280 members.

Building is now home to the Miracle Church of our Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith.

Weekly notes for the St. Philips Episcopal Church can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

Founded in 1887 by Reverend William Henry Troy and a group of members from the Second African Baptist Church, the congregation initially gathered at Harris's Hall, located on the west side of 3rd Street between Clay and Marshall Streets. They worshiped there until February 19, 1890, when they acquired the current site, which originally featured two brick dwellings. These structures were used for services until 1904 when they were demolished to make way for the present church building.

The church, constructed in gray brick with Gothic architectural elements, features a belfry tower, stained glass windows, a large electric organ, air conditioning, and other modern amenities. A balcony extends around three sides of the sanctuary, with oak furniture, ivory-colored walls, and white woodwork. Two stained glass windows serve as memorials to former pastors, Reverend William Henry Troy and Reverend Alexander Southall Thomas. Additionally, a bronze tablet commemorates Jesse Williams, a former trustee.

Reverend William Henry Troy, the church's first pastor from 1887 to 1894, was renowned as a skilled organizer of congregations. The congregation has since relocated to Laburnum Avenue.

The building is now home to Lux Church.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

In 1884, Bishop John Keane began to hold masses for Richmond's black population, stating these parishonners "behaved in a most respectful manner and seemed greatly pleased with the singing, prayers, and instructions. I intend to devote my own exertions to it whenever I am in Richmond. May God grant fruit to our labors.” The congregation initially met in the basement of the all-white St Peter's Church starting in 1879, growing to 50 members. 

In 1884, Bishop Keane purchased the property on the 700 block of North 1st St, and founded Saint Joseph, the first known Catholic congregation for African Americans in Virginia. From 1904 to 1968, the site housed several institutions, including the Franciscan convent , Saint Mary's (whose building still stands), a two-room school for grades K-12 later rebuilt and named the Van de Vyver School, a parish house, the Holy Innocents Asylum, a trade school, and a two-year business college, the Van de Vyver Institute. In 1969, upon formal integration of the diocese, Bishop John J. Russell officially closed both the church and the school and asked Black parishioners to disperse themselves within white congregations.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

The organization of the church took place on April 3, 1924, at the True Reformers Hall, located at 608 N. 2nd Street, with 76 members from the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. Initially, the congregation rented the Armstrong High School Auditorium, located on Leigh Street between Adams and Prentis Streets, where they held services until 1926. In that year, they moved into the their current church building.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

The Moore Street Missionary Baptist Church was founded in March 1875 by members of the Second Baptist Church to serve the growing African American community in the "Sheep Hill" area, now known as the Carver neighborhood in Richmond. The church's first building was purchased from an old soap factory and dedicated on April 18, 1875, with Rev. William Troy as the first pastor. In 1878, the church expanded its mission by establishing an industrial school, which was deeded two-thirds of the church property in 1880. However, a legal dispute over the property resulted in the church regaining ownership in 1901.

Due to the disruptive noise from nearby railways, the church relocated to its current site, which was dedicated on May 31, 1908. The church also established the Ministers' Aid Society, a membership-based organization that combined church activities with charitable work, providing support to the community through religious services and aid.

Weekly notes for the organization can be found in the Richmond Planet Archives.

Richmond Mercury, June 11, 1975

Sixth Baptist Church traces its origins to 1923, when Reverend Edward D. Caffee led a group of twenty-five members from Mount Carmel Baptist Church to establish a mission at the St. Luke Building on St. James Street. The mission, initially known as St. Luke’s Mission, sought recognition as a church but faced difficulties in obtaining the necessary letters from Mount Carmel. After several attempts, the mission was formally recognized as St. Luke Baptist Church on December 12, 1923. In 1924, the congregation purchased a church building at 502 North Sixth Street from the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with members contributing loans and efforts to cover the cost. The first service at the new location took place on December 28, 1924, marking a new chapter for the church under Reverend Caffee’s leadership. He served until 1927, when he resigned to begin a new pastorate in Pennsylvania.

In 1927, Reverend Joseph Arrington became the church’s pastor and recommended a name change to Sixth Street Baptist Church, which was approved by the congregation. Under Reverend Arrington’s leadership, the church experienced significant growth, even as it faced financial challenges during the Great Depression. Despite economic hardships, the congregation worked hard to meet its financial obligations, eventually paying off the mortgage on the church building in 1944. The church also dealt with changes in the surrounding neighborhood, which shifted from residential to commercial use. By 1952, the church began considering relocation, eventually purchasing the former Byrd Park Methodist Church on South Addison Street in the West End of Richmond. The congregation moved to the new location in January 1953, where it was renamed Sixth Baptist Church. 

With the move to the West End, the church saw a further increase in membership and expanded its ministries to meet the needs of a growing congregation. The church also paid off its new mortgage by 1956. During this time, Reverend Arrington's health began to decline, prompting the church to hire an assistant pastor, Reverend George T. Lowery, in 1956. Reverend Lowery served until 1957, when he resigned to focus on his professional and academic commitments.