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Second Baptist Church, Postcard, Richmond, n.d.

CONTENT WARNING

Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation. 

Context

Second Baptist Church was built at the corner of Franklin and Adams Streets in 1906. The building was designed by Wiliam C. Noland, one of the best-known architects of the period and founder of the  firm Noland and Baskervill (still operating in Richmond as Baskervill). Noland designed several other religious buildings on Franklin Street, including Beth Ahabah Synagogue and St. James Episcopal Church. Second Baptist Church is considered one of the best still-standing examples of a neoclassical style temple with a peristyle columned portico, a continuous line of columns around the building, and the use of simple geometric forms. 

In 1977, Second Baptist became part of the Franklin Street City Old & Historic District. In 1987, the historic district was expanded to protect many important historic civic buildings and residences in the area. Second Baptist is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a federally run program administered by the National Park Service with the goal of identifying, preserving, and protecting historic sited throughout the country.

Second Street Baptist was sold in 1990 to the owners of The Jefferson Hotel, which is also located of Franklin Street. Less than two years later, the hotel owners sought permission from the city to demolish the historic sanctuary, as well as the education building next door to the church to create a parking lot. In 1992, the Richmond City Commission of Architectural Review prevented the demolition, but the Richmond City Council gave permission for the demolition to move forward. In the end, the sanctuary building was saved through a community effort which included preservationists and concerned residents. The education building was torn down and is now used as a surface parking lot for hotel guests.

The former church was used as a storage area for many years, and in 2021 the hotel owners requested permission to demolish the building as a result of structural probblems and a lack of economically viable uses for the building. The efforts to preserve Second Baptist Church are part of an ongoing effort in in the local community and national historic preservation communities.

Citation: Postcard of Second Baptist Church, Visual Studies Collection, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

Standards

History: CE.1, CE.3, GOVT.1, GOVT.8, GOVT.9

Art: 5.14, 7.12, AI.3, AI.6

Science: PH.1, PH.4

Suggested Questions

Preview Activity

Look at It: Look at the image on the postcard. What makes this style building stand out? Why would the architect chosen to use this style when designing the building?

Post Activities

STEM STAT: You are working with historic preservationists to find alternative uses for the sanctuary of Second Baptist Church. What would you suggest based on the design and structure of the building? How would you go about redesigning the structure to accommodate 21st century needs? What resources would be needed to achieve the desired outcome?

Be the Journalist: You are writing an article about the issues surrounding Second Baptist Church. Create on outline for your article in which you describe who you would interview for your article, why you would interview these individuals, and what information you hope the potential interviewees will share.

Social Media Spin: Create a social media post in which describe the situation with Second Baptist Church. Be sure to include any information you feel is relevant to understanding the ongoing debate.