Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 06/16/1999
NRHP Listing Date 08/05/1999
NRHP Reference Number 99000970
Zion Poplars Baptist Church was named for a grove of seven poplars, four of which remain on the church grounds, joined at one base. An African American community used the poplars as a “brush arbor,” a hidden place, for religious worship before the construction of the church. The Gloucester County church, built in 1894, is a Victorian building with classical references in its interior trim. Much of the striking interior, including the sanctuary, was hand carved by Frank Braxton, a former slave. Despite a later addition, the Zion Poplars Baptist Church still retains a high degree of integrity and exhibits outstanding craftsmanship.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: July 21, 2021
