Historic First Baptist Church, Wilmington
Wilmington, New Hanover County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
Historic First Baptist Church organized 1808. First building southeast corner of Front and Ann Streets. Present building erected 1860-1870. Rev. John L. Prichard, pastor, died a martyr to humanity in the yellow fever plague, 1862. To the Glory of Christ who sets men free. Erected by First Baptist Church 2000.
Erected by First Baptist Church, Wilmington
The Story
First Baptist Church of Wilmington was organized in 1808, its first house of worship standing at Front and Ann Streets before the present building rose between 1860 and 1870. Its pastor, the Rev. John L. Prichard, died ministering to the sick during the yellow fever epidemic of 1862, remembered as "a martyr to humanity."
Why it matters
The congregation's story, and its pastor's fatal devotion during a deadly epidemic, reflect the faith and hardship of a Southern port city through the early republic and Civil War.
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Related people
- · Rev. John L. Prichard
Related events
- · Yellow fever epidemic of 1862
Themes & tags
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