Many Baptist churches of the South yet lie in ruins or at least disrepair, a byproduct of the recent war, perhaps none more so than in the state of Virginia. Today’s Richmond Daily Dispatch carries an article about one such church.
“The Rev. Mr. Taylor, a native of Richmond, and pastor of the Baptist Church at Culpeper Courthouse, is on a visit to our city for a purpose which we are sure will enlist the sympathies, and we trust the active assistance, of that zealous and influential denomination. The church occupied by his congregation, in common with so many buildings in Culpeper, was greatly injured by the war, which left some of its deepest and most melancholy traces in that highway of contending armies. The congregation are engaged in a laudable effort to repair their almost ruined church edifice, and Mr. Taylor desires to secure to his impoverished flock the aid of their brethren here in their pious object. We commend his cause and himself cordially to the public. He is an exemplary and high toned Christian gentleman, and should be warmly seconded in his praiseworthy enterprise.”
The same paper also notes the death of a leading black Baptist of the city of Norfolk.
“Charles Cornick — This venerable and esteemed freedman, who recently deceased in our city, was buried from the Baptist Church, on Bute street, on yesterday evening. He was honest, industrious, respectful, and respected. His funeral was largely attended, embracing some of our most influential citizens, who knew the man, and thus manifested their esteem and regard for the noblest work of God–an honest man.–Norfolk Virginian.”
Sources: Richmond Daily Dispatch, December 22, 1865 (link) and (link)
