The Shadow
Covington, Va. (VR) – The Historic First Baptist Church of Covington will celebrate its 152nd Anniversary on Sunday, November 13, 2022. The worship services will begin at 11:00 a.m. The first woman and 18th Pastor, The Reverend Rosetta Stewart, will deliver the message on the theme: “Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth”. (Isaiah 43:19). The community is invited to celebrate with us as former members reinstate membership, new members unite in fellowship, installation of seven trustees, presentation of a family legacy, and a Candle Lighting Memorial Tribute.
For our 152nd Church Anniversary, First Baptist will promote a building fund campaign to finance the restoration and revitalization projects on our 152 year-old historic landmark.
From congregating in the home of Sister Decie Johnson (1870), to moving into its first building, a Gothic Revival frame structure built on the 300 block of Maple Avenue (1890), to settling in its current location constructed by James R. Hunter and Sons (1911), First Baptist Church is located at 337 S. Lexington Avenue and is ranked as one of the oldest African-American churches in the United States.
On January 21, 2002, under the pastorate of Rev. W.L. Cannon, The First Baptist Church received confirmation that it had been placed on the National Register of Historical Sites and Landmark, representing the City of Covington and the state of Virginia. The Historical Society Committee members during that designation were the late Deaconess Ruth Middleton, Mrs. Cora Poteat, Rev. Kathryn Simpson, and Rev. Cannon.
During its early developmental stages, to present, First Baptist Church has been blessed with the following ministers listed in the order of their pastorship:
1. Rev. William W. Wiley
2. Rev. J. L. Beal
3. Rev. Daniel Caraway
4. Rev. J. L. Barksdale
5. Rev. W. Johnson
6. Rev. W. J. Hackett
7. Rev. E. P. Jackson
8. Rev. George E. Reid
9. Rev. C.W. Ingram
10. Rev. J. Thomas Reid
11. Rev. W.T. Collins
12. Rev. J. Thomas Lassiter
13. Rev. Dr. M. F. Robinson (1950-1973)
14. Rev. Dr. A M Mosley II (1974-1984)
15. Rev. Glenn R. Davis (1984-1988)
16. Rev. Stanley Butler, Sr. (1991-1992)
17. Rev. Willie L. Cannon, Jr. (1993-2019)
18. Rev. Rosetta V. Stewart, Present (Acting Pastor 2019 until Installation 2021)
