Liana,
James is correct that there is a wonderful resource at the University of Richmond, The Virginia Baptist Historical Society. I've done extensive research there. However, they have only collected archival materials from white Baptist churches. At least that what they told me two or three years ago when I was last there. I work with Indian and free black groups in the early 19th century, and the trail runs cold after Reconstruction when many blacks and Indians were excluded from the predominantly white Baptist churches. This is in stark contrast to the late 18th and early 19th centuries when there was a remarkable degree of inclusion oriented around public displays of piety that transcended racial and ethnic divisions.
I heard at one point that Virginia Commonwealth University had made an effort to collect the records of Virginia's black Baptist churches as part of their Virginia Black History Archives, but I have yet to follow up on that. Ask Ray Bonis <[log in to unmask]>. He's in Special Collections and Archives at the James Branch Cabell library there. There may be a photographic collection or a vertical file or something. Ray will be able to answer your question, if there is an answer. He's very knowledgeable and quite congenial. I assume you have exhausted the Charlottesville-area resources. I don't know that you would find anything at UVA, but you might. You might also check the Virginia Historical Society. They may not have records specific to King's Lumber Co., and if you have names for any of the principals there, you may find personal papers that help you to slip in the back door. I would also check the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, and you may have done that too. I've not done research there, but I recall that they have a good photographic collection. Again, if you have names, and if any of those folks are connected to Richmond, then make an inquiry to the Valentine Richmond History Center. This is a real stretch, but perhaps worth pursuing. The Valentine has well over a million photographs in their collection. Their focus is Richmond history, but if you can i.d. people from Richmond with C'ville connections, then there's a chance, albeit remote, that you may find something. Meg Hughes is the archivist there. Also, at the Library of Virginia, Dale Neighbors, in the photographic section, may be able to help. Or, check with the folks in the Archives downstairs. Also, go to the Albermarle County clerk's office. I don't how how accessible their recent records are, but they may have a record of building plans or general info about the lumber company or the building of the church or the legal action taken when the church could not repay its loan, which would likely include photos, plans, or other supporting materials. Can you i.d. people in the photos you have from the 50s? If so, you may be able to find relatives in the area, which would make for a great oral history component.
Good luck in your research.
Cheers,
Edward
=======================
Edward DuBois Ragan, Ph.D.
[log in to unmask]
318.426.9303 mobile
On Dec 20, 2013, at 1:48 PM, James Burnett wrote:
> There is a large collection of Baptist Church Records at the University of
> Richmond.
>
>
> On Fri, Dec 20, 2013 at 10:58 AM, Liana Arias <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
>> Dear all,
>>
>> I am looking for a way to dig out construction plans, pictures of or any
>> information about the rise and demise of the Bethel Baptist Institutional
>> Church on Commerce St, Charlottesville that was erected in 1921 by Rev C.W.
>> T Barnes A.B. Pastor (says the plate on the building). I have exhausted
>> all normal avenues o we need to get creative. I have information and
>> pictures from the 50's on but I would like to get back to its origins. The
>> church could not pay the loan to King's Lumber Co (Charlottesville) during
>> the depression so, apparently, the church disbanded and I cannot find
>> anything. I found the name of the Pastor around 1928 in the Baptist
>> Church Conferences in the Winston-Salem NC area but, not much at all.
>>
>> I would appreciate any hints as to where else to look for this kind of
>> information.
>>
>> Many thanks!
>>
>> Liana Arias
>> "History aficionada" who bought the church to repurpose for something else.
>>
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>
>
>
> --
> Douglas Burnett
> Satellite Beach
> FL
> As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the
> National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Florida State Genealogical
> Society(FSGS) and the Virginia Genealogical Society(VGS), I support and
> adhere to the APG's Code of Ethics.
>
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