Zion Poplars Baptist Church Explained

Zion Poplars Baptist Church
Designated Other1:Virginia Landmarks Register
Designated Other1 Date:June 16, 1999[1]
Designated Other1 Number:036-5001
Designated Other1 Num Position:bottom
Location:7000 T.C. Walker Rd., Gloucester, Virginia
Coordinates:37.3994°N -76.5091°W
Built:1894
Architect:Braxton, Frank
Architecture:Gothic Revival
Added:August 05, 1999
Refnum:99000970

Zion Poplars Baptist Church is a historic Baptist church located near Gloucester, Gloucester County, Virginia. It was built in 1894 during the Reconstruction Era, and served more than just religious functions. As one of the oldest independent African American congregations in Gloucester County, Virginia, the church also served the economic and educational needs of its community. It was built in the Gothic Revival style with vernacular detailing, attributed to the handiwork of Frank Braxton, a former slave. The church gained its name from the historical origins of the church and congregation, because the first services were held under seven united poplar trees. Four of these trees still stand on church grounds today.[2]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Virginia Landmarks Register. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. 5 June 2013.
  2. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Zion Poplars Baptist Church . Natalie S. Robertson. August 1998. Virginia Department of Historic Resources. and Accompanying photo