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The First Baptist Church of Bluemont was established in 1888 by a small, yet mighty community of black people, some who were free and recently freed slaves in the mountains just outside the center of Bluemont, Virginia. In 1929, this community Church was built on the mountain and was the single most important structure in the community. As congregants moved to flat lands in Bluemont, particularly a historically African American community called Murphy’s Corner, this made it complex and dangerous for the aging members to make it up the mountain.
The First Baptist Church of Bluemont, Virginia is a historical jewel and an outstanding example of the light of faith which remains steadfast and unmovable today. Established in 1888 on the mountains just outside of the village of Bluemont, a small yet mighty black community, comprised of some who were free; many who were recently freed slaves joined together to plant the cornerstone of their community. Church members worshiped in homes, at the Bluemont Colored School, and in 1929, The First Baptist Church was built with American might on top of the mountain slope. Decades later, as congregants moved to flat lands in Bluemont, this made it challenging and dangerous for the aging members to travel up the mountain.
Relocating the Church was the goal and as always, faith prevails.
In 1946, the community joined together, dismantled the wooden Church and relocated the entire structure from the mountain to Murphy’s Corner, and the Church was and remains a crown jewel of the Bluemont community. Moving the Church from the mountain was not easy, yet this was a profound testimony of God’s destiny and was spoken so powerfully by Jesus Christ to his disciples:
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” (Matthew 17:20)
O Street International started this journey in 2025 and we have made significant progress during a “quiet phase” and raised over $100,000 thanks to a generous gift from our founders, board members, and committed individual donors. All funds from the “America 250 Years of Opportunity Campaign” will be used solely for the launch of a multi-million-dollar capital campaign – national kick off documentary and restoration of a small cottage behind the Church which will be the headquarters for The Opportunity Center for Cultural & Historical Preservation.
Referred to many as the “Little Church”, First Baptist Church of Bluemont has served as a symbol of unity, strength, and community for over 138 years. When unserved students needed a place to learn or practice music, the Church was their haven. Today, more than ever, we owe it to generations past and generations to come a restored piece of history that will offer global educational, unique arts resources for people of all walks of life, from young children to adults, from military veterans to historical scholars. Most importantly, the Opportunity Center for Cultural & Historical Preservation is positioned to be a nationally and globally recognized center for Cultural & Historic Diplomacy – a practice we specialize in which is guided by the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and cultural understanding as we strive to create a world where every individual has access to the opportunities that allow us to reach our full potential and contribute to a brighter future for all.
OSI is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming lives through our innovative programs, which stand at the intersection of culture, positive dialogue, education, and the Military Family.
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