611 Broad Street
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Last updated on July 3, 2025
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Directions from Historic Broad Street Mennonite Church to site 16:
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The present location of the First Baptist Church is where the church relocated after Harrisonburg purchased the original church lot on Wolfe Street (Site 8) in 1963 for Urban Renewal efforts. On September 17, 1963, the groundbreaking for the current church on Broad Street was held. The congregation held services in Lucy. F. Simms School and at the home of Deacon and Mrs. Hampton Sampson during construction. Rev. Thomas Cary Allen traveled to and from New Hope, Virginia, for services because the parsonage had been sold along with the old church building. The cornerstone was laid on February 23, 1964. The new church's first church service was held on July 12, 1964. First Baptist Church was dedicated in September 1964.
Over the decades, pastors saw many improvements to the church during their tenure. The basement and kitchen were remodeled, new bathrooms were added, and carpet and handicap were installed. The church building expanded 30 feet, and a daycare center was held on the lower level. New musical instruments were purchased, and the choir was reorganized. From 2002 to 2006, membership increased due to outreach efforts. The church started a prison ministry, a men’s ministry, and a women’s ministry. The missionary ministry led efforts to send aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The First Baptist Church Playground was built during this time.
First Baptist Church and its members experienced spiritual flourishing. There were numerous pastors from 1871 to 2023. Many records were lost due to the destruction of the Wolfe Street church. Some of the Pastors ‘names and their accomplishments are unknown. First Baptist Church remains active today and continues to be an integral part of the Harrisonburg northeast community.
Over the decades, pastors saw many improvements to the church during their tenure. The basement and kitchen were remodeled, new bathrooms were added, and carpet and handicap were installed. The church building expanded 30 feet, and a daycare center was held on the lower level. New musical instruments were purchased, and the choir was reorganized. From 2002 to 2006, membership increased due to outreach efforts. The church started a prison ministry, a men’s ministry, and a women’s ministry. The missionary ministry led efforts to send aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The First Baptist Church Playground was built during this time.
First Baptist Church and its members experienced spiritual flourishing. There were numerous pastors from 1871 to 2023. Many records were lost due to the destruction of the Wolfe Street church. Some of the Pastors ‘names and their accomplishments are unknown. First Baptist Church remains active today and continues to be an integral part of the Harrisonburg northeast community.
