First (Colored) Baptist Church.
This church was originally a part of
the First white Baptist church of Charlottesville.
In 1863 the colored members
decided to affect and maintain
a separate and distinct organization
from that of their white friends. So pursuant
to this agreement the colored
church, known for a time as the Delevan
church, was formed. Rev. John
T. Randolph was the first pastor, and
he was followed by Rev. James Fife,
and John Walker George. In 1868
they purchased the present site, known
as the "Old Mudwal" or "Delevan
property." The first colored pastor
was the Rev. William Gibbons who
was succeeded by Rev. W. J. Barnett
in 1870. He in turn was succeeded by
Rev. M. T. Lewis, Rev. Alexander
Truatt, Rev. R. Alonzo Scott, Rev. L.
B. Goodall. The present pastor is
Rev. R. C. Quarles, D. D., who was called
to the church in 1895. Since coming
here the Virginia Union University at
Richmond conferred on Mr. Quarles
the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
