"Restore  Our Home" 

The story of the First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, VA is deeply intertwined with our original church structure. Designed by architect Leonard Pinkard and built in 1899 by former slaves individuals and their descendants, this historic building has served as a beacon of faith, hope, and community for over 125 years.
Now, we have a remarkable opportunity to honor its legacy by transforming it into a Cultural Heritage Community Center — a place where history, culture, and community can thrive for generations to come.
Our vision and strategic plan, developed in 2023, aims to restore the church’s timeless architecture while equipping the building with modern facilities. This transformation will turn the church into a vibrant hub for history, education, and social engagement. The revitalized space will host community events, educational programs, and initiatives that celebrate our shared history while fostering connections for a dynamic future.
In addition to the restoration and renovation of the historic building, the site will become the permanent home for a memorial and monument honoring 70 United States Colored Troops from Franklin County, slated for dedication in December 2025. These brave soldiers fought for their freedom during the American Civil War, and we believe their stories, along with the history of the Historic First Baptist Church, are deeply intertwined — together symbolizing the resilience and strength of a people.

As we undertake this significant endeavor, we believe every contribution — large or small — will help preserve this cherished landmark and unlock its potential as a center for cultural enrichment and community service.

Your support will help us:

• Preserve Historical Integrity: Restore the church’s original architectural features, including the framing, steeple, woodwork, and masonry.
• Create Community Space: Build a large multipurpose space for educational programs, job training, private meetings, and community gatherings.
• Ensure Accessibility and Sustainability: Install modern utilities, ADA-compliant facilities, and advanced technology systems.

By giving today, you become part of this inspiring journey. Together, we can breathe new life into this historic church, transforming it into a Cultural Heritage Community Center that honors and preserves our past while building a brighter, united future.

Join us. Support the campaign. Create a lasting legacy.

To learn more about the project or to make a contribution, please follow the links below.