Cumberland Baptist Church, May 12, 1866, Minutes

Cumberland Baptist Church, May 12, 1866, Minutes

African Americans, religion, race relations

Before the Civil War, churches often had black and white members, although they were segregated within the congregation. African American churches were required by Virginia law to have white ministers, and after the Civil War, many African Americans established separate churches to achieve autonomy. On May 12, 1866, African American members of Cumberland Baptist Church were given permission to leave and organize a new church with the name "New Constitution."

Cumberland Baptist Church

Cumberland Baptist Church Record Book, 1856-1896, Cumberland County Court Records, Microfilm Reel 88, Local Government Records Collection, Library of Virginia.

1856-1896

Library of Virginia

CC BY-SA

JPG

Bound manuscript, microfilm

15_1138_001 Cumberland Baptist, 15_1138_002 Cumberland Baptist, Cumberland Baptist Church minutes_1866_transcription_15_1138_001-002.pdf

Cumberland County, Virginia