Rediscovering the Truth of the Past, Empowered by the Spirit for our Future
Historic Church ~ Kingdom Worship
Rediscovering the Truth of the Past, Empowered by the Spirit for our Future
Historic Church ~ Kingdom Worship
Welcome to Antioch Gloucester
Our Vision
Antioch Baptist Church was built in 1922 and served as a source of inspiration and unity in Gloucester, VA. Since The Truth In The Spirit has been stewarding this historic House of God, we've been connecting with other community organizations, like the Fairfield Foundation, to discover the truths hidden here and encourage healing and unity in the community.
Our Services
This House of God has been led by many leaders in the past, known and respected by The Truth In The Spirit. At Antioch, we continue to worship our Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ) through weekly worship services on Saturdays at 12:30pm (except for the 1st Saturday of each month), and we observe the annual Biblical Feasts in Leviticus chapter 23.
Reflections on Antioch Week
Coming Together during Antioch Week
August 1st through 5th, 2024, we hosted Antioch Week, with our focus on events on August 2nd, 3rd and 4th. In the mornings, a historian collected oral histories from those who attended Antioch years ago. In the afternoons, we worshipped God through praise dance, heard from various speakers (watch the videos below), facilitated Healing Circles and fellowshipped over meals. The "quilt" above is a product of the Healing Circles on August 2nd and 4th on "Identity and Markers" and "Building Community from our Various Sectors." This quilt is a work in progress to which we will continue to add pictures and memorabilia to honor those who have been a part of Antioch. On August 3rd, we facilitated a Healing Circle on "Unity between Descendants of Slaves and Slavers," which gave us a chance to encourage one another and proclaim freedom for all!
Capturing History
Pictured: Members of the congregation at Antioch in 1965, with the Pastor, Rev. Lincoln, and his wife in the top right. During Antioch Week, ten people historically connected to Antioch were interviewed by a historian and their oral histories captured to be archived at the College of William Mary. Also, the Fairfield Foundation shared the work they are doing to discover the history of the Piney Swamp Community going back hundreds of years to include mapping technology, archaeological research, interviews and preservation of artifacts. Apostle Markita Brooks shared the vision and work of The Truth In The Spirit, which led to this ministry becoming the stewards of Antioch. Bessida Cauthorne White shared about African American Genealogy and how we can learn more about those who were part of the Piney Swamp Community.
Continuing Work and Relationships
Pictured (left to right): Apostle Markita Brooks, ministry leader of The Truth In The Spirit and Sara Lewis, Development Officer of the Fairfield Foundation. The Truth In The Spirit (the ministry that stewards Antioch), the Fairfield Foundation and other community organizations will continue to work together toward preserving the history of Antioch and the Piney Swamp Community. More oral histories will be recorded and additional discoveries will be made. More in-person and online gatherings will be planned as well. New developments will be shared on this site as we progress. Also, we are committed to restoring and maintaining the cemetery behind Antioch. Please let us know if you have relatives buried here. We want to help you honor their memories and add details to the records for the Antioch cemetery.
Connect with us at Antioch
We want to connect with YOU!
Whether you want to join us for worship services or contribute to our efforts to discover more of the historical stories of this church and region, we invite you to connect with us!!! Visit our Contact Us page to share your information, and we will reach out to you soon. Better yet, join us for one of our weekly worship services.