Louisa County church to be recognized as historic site, marking more than a century of history

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WVIR) -A Louisa County church is being recognized for its deep roots in the community—marking a milestone more than a century in the making.

Bright Hope Baptist Church will dedicate a new plaque Saturday, April 11, recognizing the church as a historic site. The designation comes through the Virginia Department of Historic Resources and highlights the church’s long-standing presence in Louisa and surrounding counties.

For members, the recognition is about more than just history—it is about legacy.

“Bright Hope is known as a little white church on the side of the road,” said Valerie H. Roberts, a trustee at the church. “It will forever be a church where everybody is welcome.”

Church leaders say that legacy stretches back generations, including a powerful connection to the region’s past.

“Our first ordained pastor, Fountain Perkins, was born into slavery and ended up being a preacher and serving in the House of Delegates,” said Lisa Aaron, a secretary and deaconess at Bright Hope.

The church is also connected to a long-standing tradition in the area. According to church materials, the Negro Emancipation Celebration of Louisa and adjacent counties dates back to 1925 and continues today, marking more than a century of remembrance and community gathering.

Bright Hope Baptist Church is expected to celebrate 144 years later this year—another milestone members say reflects resilience, faith, and community.

Looking ahead, church members say they are working to raise money to apply for an official highway historical marker—something they hope will further preserve and share the church’s story for future generations.

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