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Farmville Baptist Church

Introduction

Founded in 1836, Farmville Baptist was one of the four churches that young African-American protestors attempted to integrate on Sunday, July 28, 1963, as part of a peaceful "kneel-in." After being denied entrance to Farmville Baptist, the group of six adults and 17 students prayed and sung hymns on the church steps before being arrested for "disturbing the public worship of God." The demonstrators were arrested and taken to the courthouse. The minors were released to their parents; the six adults refused bond and remained in custody. The growing number of protests surprised local law enforcement officials, and nearby jails were deputized to respond.

An image of a peaceful demonstration, with African American students sitting on the church steps in prayer
Photo: Richmond Times-Dispatch


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