VA HR21

First Baptist Church of Midlothian is commended on its 180th anniversary, with commemorative worship scheduled for February 8, 2026

Founded on February 8, 1846, as First African Baptist Church of Coalfield with six white and 54 enslaved and free Black members from Spring Creek Baptist Church

Recognized as the oldest African American congregation in present-day Chesterfield County, Virginia, and has given birth to six other churches in the area

Originally met in a log building at the Midlothian Coal Mining Company coalpits; rebuilt at current location after an 1877 fire and renamed First Baptist Church of Midlothian

Twenty-eight pastors have served the congregation since 1846, with Reverend Pernell J. Johnson leading since May 20, 2007