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First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church in Farmville, Virginia, is one of the oldest and most historically significant African American congregations in Prince Edward County. Founded in the 19th century during Reconstruction, the church quickly became a cornerstone of the Black community, offering spiritual support, educational opportunities, and a place for collective organization. Its prominence grew substantially under the leadership of Reverend L. Francis Griffin, who served as pastor from 1948 until his death in 1980. Griffin emerged as the central civil rights leader in Prince Edward County and transformed First Baptist into a hub for civil rights activity during one of the most turbulent periods in Virginia’s history.
In 1951, when 16-year-old Barbara Johns led a student walkout at the segregated and underfunded Robert Russa Moton High School, the protest quickly evolved into a broader movement for educational justice. The church played a pivotal role in supporting the students and their families. Rev. Griffin helped organize the community response, forging connections with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which brought the resulting case, Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, to the courts. This case would later be consolidated into the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision of 1954.
Following that decision, Prince Edward County became notorious for its policy of “Massive Resistance.” Rather than integrate its public schools, the county chose to shut down the entire school system from 1959 to 1964. During this time, First Baptist Church became more than a place of worship—it was a school, a community center, and a lifeline. The church hosted makeshift classrooms, supported students displaced by the closures, and facilitated partnerships with outside organizations like the American Friends Service Committee to find alternative educational solutions. Rev. Griffin led the charge, locally and nationally, speaking out against injustice and helping students access opportunities wherever possible.
Throughout this era, First Baptist stood at the center of Farmville’s civil rights struggle, serving as both a refuge and a rallying point. Rev. Griffin’s leadership extended beyond the pulpit—he became the first African American appointed to the Virginia State Board of Education and remained a tireless advocate for equality throughout his life. Today, First Baptist Church continues to serve as a vital spiritual and civic institution. Its legacy, shaped by faith, courage, and action, remains deeply entwined with the broader history of civil rights in America and stands as a lasting symbol of resistance, resilience, and community strength.
