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Ground Breaking of the African Baptist Meeting House
June 19, 2025 @ 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Ground Breaking of the African Baptist Meeting House
Join the Let Freedom Ring Foundation and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for the groundbreaking ceremony of the African Baptist Meeting House. This event marks the beginning of construction at the site of the original permanent location of First Baptist Church—one of the earliest African American congregations in the United States. Faith leaders from First Baptist Church and its daughter churches will offer remarks, commemorating the occasion and paying tribute to the ancestors laid to rest at this historic site. – FREE & Open to the public to attend
More information on African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground
The African Baptist Meeting House and Burial Ground was the original permanent location of the First Baptist Church, one of the earliest African American congregations in the United States. A congregation of enslaved and free people of African descent worshipped, built a community, and buried family members at this Nassau Street site. Following Colonial Williamsburg’s purchase and removal of the church, the congregation relocated to Scotland Street, where its members have worshipped since 1956. In partnership with the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg and the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, Colonial Williamsburg has engaged in a multi-year project to excavate, study, and reconstruct this important historic site.
