Thursday086–7 PM
Commemorative Spirituals Celebration
First Baptist Church · 727 Scotland Street
An evening celebration honoring the sacred spiritual tradition and the enduring role of music in the congregation’s journey of faith and freedom.
250th Anniversary
The Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg
“A Legacy of Faith and Freedom”
Join us as we honor nearly 250 years of faith, worship, resilience, freedom, service, and community. This anniversary season invites members, descendants, visitors, partners, and friends to celebrate the sacred story of First Baptist Church and help carry the legacy forward.
A Warm Invitation · 1776–2026
FBC250 Anniversary Weekend
First Baptist Church: At the Heart of the Anniversary Season
The Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg warmly welcomes you to four unforgettable days of worship, remembrance, music, history, and community as we honor 250 years of faith and freedom—and carry this sacred legacy forward.
October 8–11, 2026“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.” — Psalm 100:4
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” — Psalm 145:4
Weekend Schedule
Four Days of Commemoration
Locations and program details are shown below. Please return for final updates before making travel plans.
Friday099–10 AM
Unveiling of the African Baptist Meeting House
Nassau Street · Colonial Williamsburg
Gather for the unveiling and dedication of the newly constructed African Baptist Meeting House and sacred burial ground at the congregation’s original Nassau Street place of worship.
The ceremony will close with Let Freedom Ring, featuring guest musician Pierre Whitlow, lead vocalist Ronzell Pretlow, and the Celebration Choir.
Following the dedication, guests will be welcomed into the Meeting House and sacred burial ground. Visitors are then invited to tour the current church and updated Heritage Center at 727 Scotland Street. Refreshments will be served.
Featured Speakers
The Honorable Judge John Charles Thomas
A barrier-breaking former Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, NAACP Lifetime Image Award recipient, celebrated poet, and exceptional orator.
View a featured presentation →Virginia State Senator Mamie E. Locke
The first African American woman elected mayor of Hampton and the third African American woman elected to the Senate of Virginia.
Read Senator Locke’s biography →Saturday105 PM
Let Freedom Ring Foundation Annual Gala
Williamsburg Lodge
An unforgettable evening of music and inspiration featuring dinner, concert, and an after-party with a DJ. The Foundation will present its inaugural Freedom’s Bell Award to Brent Leggs, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Guests will also enjoy an inspirational musical performance by Sarah Ikumu.
Sunday1111 AM
250th Anniversary Worship Service
First Baptist Church · 727 Scotland Street
A spirit-filled and unforgettable worship service. Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis will deliver a message of determination, resilience, and hope, honoring the church’s journey through the Revolutionary War, slavery, the Civil War, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and the continuing work to preserve the fullness of African American history.
Friday Experience
From Sacred Ground to a Living Legacy
The Friday program connects the congregation’s original Nassau Street worship site with the present-day church and Heritage Center.
1
Unveiling & DedicationNassau Street ceremony and featured speakers
2
Meeting House & Sacred GroundWelcome inside the reconstructed worship space and burial ground
3
Church & Heritage Center TourPrivate tour and refreshments at 727 Scotland Street
Welcome to the anniversary journey
Honoring Our Past.
Celebrating Our Present.
Preparing for Our Future.
The 250th Anniversary is a church-wide season of remembrance, worship, storytelling, preservation, and celebration. This page is the central place for anniversary updates, tours, events, media highlights, and ways to participate.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3
250 years of faith, hope & heritage
A Journey of Faith and Freedom
Faith Takes Root
Strength Through Generations
Community & Ministry
250th Anniversary
Explore our anniversary focus
A Sacred Milestone With Many Ways to Engage
First Baptist Church
Honoring the congregation, leadership, ministries, and members who carry the legacy forward.
Faith & Worship
Honoring the spiritual foundation and generations who kept the faith.
History & Heritage
Sharing the story of the church, its people, and its place in Williamsburg.
Tours & Visitors
Welcoming individuals, families, groups, schools, churches, and community guests.
Community
Strengthening partnerships and inviting the broader community into the celebration.
Legacy & Future
Preserving the church’s history while preparing the next generation to carry it forward.
Take an FBC Tour
Experience “A Legacy of Faith and Freedom”
We warmly invite individuals, families, groups, churches, schools, and community guests to experience a meaningful tour of sacred history.
Tour DaysMonday–SaturdayTour Hours10:00 AM–2:00 PMReservationsGuided tours by appointmentWalk-UpsAs capacity allows
Stories, media & updates
Preserving Memories and Sharing the Message
TODAY Feature
See the Black History at the Heart of Colonial Williamsburg
Watch TODAY VideoWHRO Feature
Pastor Reginald Davis Reflects on First Baptist Church’s 250-Year Legacy
Read the WHRO FeatureJoin the celebration
Honor Our Past. Celebrate Our Present. Shape Our Future.
Walk with us, worship with us, serve with us, remember with us, and help carry the legacy forward.