Ninety-one "persons of colour residing in the City of Richmond" represent that "it has been the misfortune of your petitioners to be excluded from the churches, meeting Houses and other places of public devotion which are used by white persons." They point out that, with "no appropriate places being assigned for them," they have resorted to meeting in private Houses, "where they are much crowded and where a portion of their Brethren are unable to hear or to partake of the worship which is going on." The petitioners therefore pray that "your honorable body will pass a law authorising them to cause to be erected within this city, a House of public worship which may be called the Baptist African Church." Aware of the restrictions involved in such a venture, they "most chearfully ... submit" to the mayor's right to approve or reject their choice of any teacher. The petitioners further acknowledge that they cannot "reasonably expect to hold night meetings or assemblages for Baptizing but with the consent of that officer."
Result: Bill drawn.
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Repository: Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia
