The First Baptist Church of South Richmond

The First Baptist Church of South Richmond, originally known as the African Church of Manchester, traces its origins to 1821, when a group of free African Americans began meeting for worship. Under the leadership of Dr. Anthony Binga, pastor from 1872 to 1919, the congregation relocated from 7th and Perry Streets to a new sanctuary here in 1892. Binga played a central role in designing the Romanesque Revival building. Dr. William L. Ransome, pastor for five decades and a local civil rights leader, oversaw the construction of an annex in 1969. For more than two centuries, the church has been distinguished by strong ministerial leadership and service to the community.