Salem Baptist Church, Fredericksburg
Salem Baptist Church, a small commodious house of worship constructed in 1844, is situated on the Plank Road about five miles west of Fredericksburg. Established to serve a growing population in eastern Spotsylvania County, by late 1862 war-time demands have caused attendance to dwindle and services to be held only sporadically.
This morning an unusually large crowd of attendees mills inside the meeting house, spilling out onto the surrounding grounds. Gathered within the church, however, is not a congregation seeking religious worship. Having been forced from their homes in Fredericksburg as fighting continues between the opposing Federal and Confederate armies, this throng seeks a sanctuary of physical safety. The day prior, the procession of mostly women, children, and household servants offered a pitiful sight as they evacuated the city throughout the daylight hours and into the night. A Confederate soldier described the scene:
“… one of the most dismal scenes of war was presented to us; the road was quite filled with wagons and carts and people on foot, unhappy refugees from Fredericksburg. Old Salem Church was crowded, and around it shelters of quilts and blankets has been erected, under which the banished women and children crouched in the bitter cold.”
The refugees set up their makeshift accommodations and settle in as best they can. Their anguish grows as they continue to hear an occasional sound of battle, wonder when they might be able to return to their homes, and despair when pondering in what condition their homes might be upon their return.
For these unfortunate refugees, Salem Church offers at least momentary safety, yet little solace as the Battle of Fredericksburg rages on.
Sources: Ralph Happel, Salem Church Embattled, National Park Service, 1980 (link); “Salem Church,” National Park Service (link); Virtual Tour, Salem Church, including image (link)
Article written by Dennis Sacrey, President of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society, and Church Administrator, Fredericksburg Baptist Church
