Gillfield Baptist Church, Protestant church in Petersburg, United States
Gillfield Baptist Church is a red brick church building in Petersburg with high arched windows, a steep pitched roof, and a central bell tower on Perry Street. The structure was built between 1874 and 1879 and received electrical modernization in the early 1900s.
The church was established in 1797 and began as an integrated congregation with members from different backgrounds. It developed into one of the oldest African American churches in Petersburg.
The church maintains handwritten records from its early years that document the experiences of both free and enslaved members of its congregation. These documents show how people from different circumstances gathered here to share their faith.
The church is easy to locate on Perry Street with distinctive architecture that sets it apart from nearby buildings. Visitors should be aware that regular worship services take place and it is respectful to avoid interrupting the active congregation during services.
In 1970, the church made a groundbreaking decision by ordaining seven women as deacons. This action was a notable step at that time regarding female leadership roles in religious settings.
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