Please Join us on On Tuesday, May 26, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM, we will meet at Morattico Baptist Church, 924 Morattico Church Road, Kilmarnock.

Morattico Baptist Church, known as "the Mother Church of Baptist Churches on the Northern Neck," was chartered in January 1778. As the year 2028 approaches, and its 250th anniversary, the church has been delving into its history as it prepares to mark its heritage and celebrate its longevity.  

Twelve major congregations trace their origins to Morattico Baptist, among them seven Black Baptist churches. One, (Old) St. John's, established in 1869, dissolved in 1892. Still active today are: Mt. Olive, in Wicomico Church, established in 1873; Willie Chapel, Lancaster, 1884; Calvary, Kilmarnock, 1892; Mt. Vernon, White Stone, 1893; Sharon, Weems, 1898; and New St. John's, Kilmarnock, 1910. 

Though this is a beautiful legacy, there are elements of Morattico's antebellum history that we look back at from the 21st century and find troubling. For example, the Church is aware that at least two of its pastors from that time period owned slaves. Morattico Baptist, before and during the Civil War, had many Black members, but they were relegated to balcony seating, separate from the White congregants, during worship services.

Then, in 1868, after the Civil War, a group of newly-free Black congregants sought dismissal to establish their own church. Church leaders granted them permission to form St. John's Baptist Church. Though they received the permission they sought, t must have taken great courage for formerly enslaved men to confront White men with a request.

On Tuesday, May 26, Morattico Baptist's pastor, Richard Abbott, will speak in more depth about his church's long history, with particular emphasis on the period of time shortly before, during, and after the Civil War. Richard, a Lancaster County "Born Here," has served as Morattico Baptist's pastor since March 2020. 

Please note that this month only we will meet at a different location. We will meet at Morattico Baptist Church, 924 Morattico Church Road, Kilmarnock,

so that we can view the church's History Center and "feel" the church's history in the sanctuary--in particular, envisioning our African American forebears in the balcony.

All are welcome!

Saturday, June 20, 2026 from Noon until 6 PM

SAVE THE DATE! Please join us at Ma Margaret’s House B&B, 249 Greenfield Road, Reedville, VA from 12 PM to 6 PM celebrating NNK Family Folktales and Legends!

There will be outstanding food, Genealogy, Storytelling, and Live Entertainment. If you went to Juneteeth last year, you know what we’re saying. If you didn’t, PLEASE join us this year for a great and meaningful afternoon!

This event is free and open to the public (modest charge for foods of your selection).

ALL ARE WELCOME!

August 30 - September 3, 2026
‍IRC has made plans for, and applied for grants for, a bus trip to Boston, MA. This will be a five-day, four-night trip. African Americans figured in events in and around Boston from before the Revolution, in the Civil War, and beyond. We will have the opportunity to visit Boston's African American National Historic Site. We will take a two-hour bus tour with a hop-on guide, "Black Boston's Hidden History." And, we can walk all or part of the famous "Freedom Trail." 

We will stay at the Omni Parker House Hotel in the Beacon Hill area of Boston, in double-occupancy rooms. Depending upon how much grant money IRC receives, we hope to keep the per person cost to about $400. 

‍ A flyer describing this trip (pictured above) can be accessed at 2026 Boston Road Trip -- flyer.

UPDATE!

Interest and participation have been wonderful! Currently, there is one double room still available. This could accommodate a couple or two friends rooming together. The estimated per person cost of the trip is $425 to $450.

‍ If you would like to participate,
please give your name to Judy Thomson,

 thomsonjudy@gmail.com,
ASAP!

(No deposit is required at this time--only an expression of interest in participating.)

All are welcome! Bring your partner, bring a friend--join us!