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For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 08/21/1990
NRHP Listing Date 01/03/1991
NPS property number 90002112
The simple rectangular plan of the White Oak Primitive Baptist Church was considered proper for a religious sect that stressed simplicity in all its activities. The Primitive Baptists’ faith is based on the precept that doctrine should only originate from clear, scriptural statements rather than from human interpretations. Its adherents, to this day, thus do not believe in such things as Sunday school or missionary programs. The severely plain church building, believed to have been built about 1835 or possibly earlier, reflects the conservative and non-hierarchical theology of this sect. Moreover, the fact that only modest changes have been made to the church since its construction is a testimony to the steadfast adherence of church members to their beliefs. Included on the flat, one-acre lot are women’s and men’s outhouses and a graveyard started in 1897.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated April 4, 2018
