Baptist General Convention of Virginia, 1931-1977

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Union University
L. Douglas Wilder Library
Virginia Union University
1500 North Lombardy Street
Richmond, VA 23220
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Selicia Allen
Phone: (804) 278-4117
Fax: (804) 257-5818

Summary

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Creator:
Baptist General Convention of Virginia
Language:
Materials in this collection are in English

Background

Scope and content:

Papers from Baptist General Convention of Virginia, mostly programs, meeting minutes and correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

The Baptist General Convention of Virginia has been affiliated with Virginia Union since the school's beginning in 1899. Originally named the Baptist General Association of Virginia (Colored), the organization's mission has been Christian education in a number of outreach programs including the Lott Carey mission, women's auxiliaries, and the Children's Home of Virginia Baptists.

The organization changed its name in 1964 to the current convention, dropping the adjective "colored." By 1978, 576 churches and 18 associations were constituents of the convention. As of 1999, there were more than 1,000 churches and 32 associations affiliated with the convention. Ground was broken in 1988 for the state headquarters on VUU's campus. In 1995 and again in 1996, the merging of the convention with the (white) Virginia State Baptist Convention was considered. However, by 1998 all consideration was indefinitely postponed by the VSBC.

Acquisition information:
Probably received from Dr. Grady Powell Sr., president of the convention from 1974-1977.
Arrangement:

The collection is arranged alphabetically by folder title.