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[[image - black & white photograph of Rev. Y. B. Williams]]
[[caption]] REV. Y. B. WILLIAMS AT HIS DESK [[/caption]]

A Dedication Salute

"Hither-to hath the Lord helped us." Eight years ago when I came to First African Baptist Church as your pastor, I was keenly conscious of the glorious history of the Church and its unique place in the community as a great moral and spiritual influence. It became increasingly obvious, however, that if the Church was to continue to be the "salt of the earth," and the "light of the world", in Richmond, and in our state and nation, we would have to relocate in some area of the city where the Church would have a community to serve.

First Baptist Church was organized in 1780. Both white and Negro members worshipped together until 1841. At that time the property of the Church was appraised at a value of $13,000.00. The white members of the congregation sold their interest to the Negro members of the congregation for $6,500.00, and the whites moved up two blocks west on Broad and built a church home. The present building at 14th and Broad Streets was built in 1878-1879 at a cost of $40,000.00.

Thus, it was quite understandable that for many of the members, sentimental ties were very strong and it was not easy for them to give up the place of worship which had been a religious center for the people of Richmond for one hundred and seventy five years.

In this matter of relocation, God greatly helped us.  After much discussion and planning, and patience, sacrifice, faith and prayer, the relocation was consummated on the first Sunday in June, 1956.  This has served to unify our spirits and our efforts as they had not been before.  Even those who were honestly opposed to relocating are most charitable, cooperative and happy.

We appreciate the loyalty and support of those who sense the necessity of growth and change and sacrifice, if we are to survive as an institution and fulfill the mission of our high calling.  God is awakening us to the full meaning of our stewardship, and we must rise and climb.  Our heritage is great, but the next generation will ask what god [[typo in original]] thing did we do in our time--What new thing or vision have we added to the abundant life?

Destiny has placed us here on a mission, not to sit upon a throne, but to fight incessantly against the powers of darkness.  It is for tomorrow (Continued on page 41)

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