First Baptist Church of Vienna Celebrates 155 Years

From left on Dec. 4, 2022: Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, Rep. Connolly, Rev. Sharpton, and Rev. Dr. Vernon Walton.

 (Source BLACK VIRGINIA NEWS):

VIENNA, VIRGINIA — First Baptist Church of Vienna, led by Rev. Dr. Vernon Walton, celebrated their 155th anniversary today with special guest Rev. Al Sharpton. The church was established in 1867.

The website for the church proclaims that, “First Baptist Church of Vienna is a diverse congregation rooted in the African American worship tradition. We will develop and deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through preaching, teaching, ministry development and deepen our personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Through preaching, teaching, ministry development and advocacy, we will celebrate Christ, expand the Kingdom, and influence society.”

As one of the most power Black churches in Virginia, First Baptist features several popular events each year that bring the community together.

At their 155th anniversary celebration today, Rev. Vernon Walton recognized Virginia’s 41st Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax, Congressman Gerry Connolly and the church’s special guest of the day who delivered an electric keynote: Rev. Al Sharpton.

It was noted during today’s service that First Baptist’s anniversary fell on a special day in history for African Americans: the 116th anniversary of the December 4, 1906, establishment of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Alpha Phi Alpha is the oldest Black fraternity and many of the fraternity’s members are in positions of power, including Rev. Walton, Congressman Bobby Scott and Justin Fairfax are members. APA was established at Cornell University in Ithaca.

Rev. Sharpton’s keynote covered a lot of territory regarding politics and the Black community. The National Action Network founder and MSNBC host spoke on the importance of learning from elders and not repeating the same mistakes.

“There are those that in many ways campaign and try to promote the so-called generational gap and try and disconnect us from what occurred before us. We are tending toward trying to be new and young at the disregard of the energies of the old,” Rev. Sharpton stated.

“But in the African tradition we would go to the elders. Now we act like old folks are just in the way, and we act like we have whatever we’ve become by ourselves. I want other degrees. Anyone thinks Hey, well, anything other than great is in training others before all are born and raised, and only Zeus was born full grown.

Rev. Sharpton then relayed a conversation he had with a young conservative who shunned marching and the civil rights tactics of the 60’s generation.

Sharpton said the young person told him, “You know, Reverend Al, I don’t believe in all that civil rights stuff you advocate. I don’t march; I don’t go through all of that. I’ve made it on my background. I went to the right schools. I’m a member the right fraternities. I’m connecting with the right references. Look at my resume… And I looked at his resume. I said you’re right. It’s very impressive. You did go to the right schools, and you are a member the right fraternities. I said you’re right; civil rights did not write your resume. But civil rights made somebody read your resume.”

Rev. Sharpton referenced his long-time friendship with Rev. Walton. The congregation received Sharpton ‘s remarks with a long round of applause.

Dec. 4, 2022: As Rev. Sharpton listens former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax addresses the church.

Dec. 4, 2022: Rep. Gerry Connolly speaks to the congregation.

About Carma Henry 24460 Articles
Carma Lynn Henry Westside Gazette Newspaper 545 N.W. 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 Office: (954) 525-1489 Fax: (954) 525-1861

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