WILLIAMSBURG, Va.- Archaeologists and church members of the First Baptist Church are preparing to locate answers around the original church on land dating back about two hundred years.
Archaeologists will excavate the earth to check this story, but before beginning, church members will conduct a vigil to “bless” the earth.
It is in this land that African-Americans and loose slaves accumulate to pray and worship.The original church remained there for a few years before moving to its current location on Scotland Street in 1957.
It’s a story that, according to Connie Harshaw, president of Let Freedom Ring, should not be forgotten.
“This is the beginning of what we hope will be the story of a total story, only in Williamsburg or the state of Virginia, but also across the country,” he told News 3.
Harshaw is also a member of the First Baptist Church.In an earlier interview with News 3, he said he had passed and saw the plaque next to the grounds commemorating the church.He said he was looking to know more about the story.
Now that a team of archaeologists is helping them, they’ll dig to notice this story hidden underground. Excavations begin after Labor Day.
The blessing vigil will publicize the project, which is expected to last several weeks.As for what others can expect, Harshaw said, “We will be joined by the leaders of the devoted network in Williamsburg and James City County.We have an African-American composer who works with the Williamsburg Symphony who composes a piece just for this occasion.We have Henry Hart, the poet laureate of the state of Virginia, who wrote a poem committed to the founders of First Baptist.”
This vigil is open to the public and begins sunday night at five o’clock in the afternoon in front of the countryside.The grounds are on Nassau Street in Williamsburg, north of Francis Street.
The organizers remind those involved of respecting the mandates of COVID-19, such as disguising themselves and social estating.Wakefulness is an occasion with separate seats.
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