Virginia Baptist Historical Society

P. O. Box 34, University of Richmond, VA 23173
Telephone: (804)289-8434

NEWS: The new issue of "The Virginia Baptist Register" is out. It contains an article printing the Virginia Notebook of Morgan Edwards (1722-1795). To get your copy, join as a member for the small price of $10. (See below)
The Virginia Baptist Historical Society is the oldest Baptist historical society in the South which has functioned continuously from its beginning. As early as 1788, Virginia Baptists started several collections of historical material, but due to lack of a suitable depository and proper care, these collections were lost.

Stimulated by the semicentennial celebration of the General Association in 1873 and by the national centennial celebration of the Declaration of Independence three years later, the Virginia Baptist Historical Society was organized in June, 1876. The impetus for this action came from Charles Hill Ryland of Richmond. The first officers were: J. B. Jeter, president; R. L. T. Beale, vice president; and H. H. Harris, secretary-treasurer. Richmond College, now the University of Richmond, has provided housing for its collections through the years.

There have been three main objectives of the society: (1) collection and preservation of Baptist historical materials; (2) encouragement of research in Baptist history and its publication; and (3) erection of markers commemorating early Baptist churches and leaders.

In 1955, when the new Boatwright Memorial Library of the University of Richmond was dedicated, one wing was set apart for the exclusive use of the V.B.H.S. These quarters were provided by the Woman's Missionary Union of Virginia under the leadership of Miss Blanche Sydnor White. To make this project possible, the women of Virginia exceeded an offering goal of $100,000. For many years, Woman's Missionary Union has shown a genuine interest in Virginia Baptist history and has provided funds for research and for the operation of the society.

The society in 1962 initiated an annual publication, the Virginia Baptist Register, in which the attempt is made to present hitherto unpublished material pertaining to Virginia Baptists with emphasis on Baptist beginnings in the state.

(This article appeared in a booklet entitled "Meaningful Moments in Virginia Baptist Life, 1715-1972" written by John S. Moore and William L. Lumpkin, and it was prepared for the Sesquicentennial Celebration of the Baptist General Association of Virginia, in 1973.)

A recent series of three articles in the Religious Herald provided additional information regarding the role of the W.M.U. of Virginia in creating a proper home for the society, together with the building by Virginia Baptists of the Boatwright Library at the University of Richmond. See the issues of October 26; November 2; and November 9, 2000.

The society is located at the northeast corner of Boatwright Library on the Campus of the University of Richmond. The executive director of the V.B.H.S. is Fred Anderson, whose tireless and energetic efforts on behalf of the society have given it a strong role in Baptist life. His talents in speaking on Virginia Baptist history and portraying individuals from the past have done much to spread the message of the Society.
Memberships are available for a nominal price and include the annual edition of the Virginia Baptist Register, which is edited by John S. Moore, a member of Second Baptist.

Fred Anderson has recently published a collection of his Heritage columns, with 100 stories on a 330-page paperback bound book entitled Playing Favorites & Getting Personal. That is available for $13.00 including tax and postage. Mail your check to: Center for Baptist Heritage & Studies, P. O. Box 34, University of Richmond, VA 23173.