Rebuilding One of The Nation’s Oldest Black Churches Begins at Juneteenth Ceremony

June 23, 2025

The historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, established in 1776 by free and enslaved Black Americans who initially met in secret outdoors, has begun reconstruction of its original 1805 meetinghouse following a ceremonial groundbreaking on Juneteenth. Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is rebuilding the 16-by-32-foot structure on its original site, where archaeologists uncovered the foundation in 2021 along with 62 graves from the congregation. This reconstruction effort aims to properly honor the church's pioneering role in American history after decades of neglect, as the original site was converted into a parking lot in 1956 when Colonial Williamsburg purchased the property.

Who is affected

First Baptist Church's current 215-member congregation
Descendants of the original First Baptist Church members
The Black community in Williamsburg
Visitors to Colonial Williamsburg who will learn a more complete history
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation staff and interpreters
Archaeologists and researchers documenting the site's history
The broader American public gaining access to a more inclusive historical narrative

What action is being taken

Colonial Williamsburg is reconstructing the original 1805 meetinghouse at its original site
Builders are using period-appropriate wood species (pine, poplar, oak) with construction expected to finish next year
The new structure will be built directly over the original foundation using a concrete beam to preserve the original bricks
The museum is incorporating archaeological findings into the reconstruction, including replicating the unique brick-laying technique
Interpreters like Rev. James Ingram continue portraying historical figures such as Gowan Pamphlet to tell the church's story

Why it matters

The reconstruction helps demonstrate that "Black history is American history" as Pastor Davis stated
It fills an important historical gap in Colonial Williamsburg's representation, as more than half of the 2,000 residents in 18th century Williamsburg were Black
The project addresses historical neglect, as Colonial Williamsburg previously failed to tell the church's pioneering history despite purchasing the property in 1956
It honors the legacy of free and enslaved Black Americans who risked punishment to worship together and built a church despite legal prohibitions
The physical structure provides tangible evidence to accompany oral histories, which Pastor Davis notes "makes a greater impact on the psyche of oppressed people"
It acknowledges the skilled craftsmanship of the original builders who overcame challenging building conditions

What's next

Construction of the meetinghouse is expected to be completed next year (2025)
The rebuilt church will feature period-accurate details including shuttered windows without glass
The reconstruction will include both the original church structure and its later expansion

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint