The historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg traces its origin to early colonial days, when Blacks were allowed to worship at Bruton Parish Church but were not fully included in the service. They built a brush arbor on the Green Spring Plantation, where they worshiped early in the morning, late at night, and sometimes in secret, and later built a second brush arbor at Raccoon Chase near Williamsburg, where they gathered for prayers and spiritual strength. After Jesse Cole learned of their plight, he offered them the use of his carriage house in Williamsburg. In 1776, the first Baptist church was organized by Blacks for Blacks, becoming the first Baptist church in the Williamsburg area, Black or White. In 1855, the congregation built a brick church on Nassau Street, which was dedicated in 1856 and served the community for a hundred years. In 1956, the present church was dedicated.