Dr. Robert Baylor Semple
Rev. Robert Baylor Semple is known in Virginia Baptist life as a distinguished minister. Dr. Semple was Bruington's first pastor and served for forty-one years. In 1810, he published A History of the Rise and Progress of Baptists in Virginia which records the history of early Baptist life in the Commonwealth. In 1823, Dr. Semple was elected as the first President of the Baptist General Association of Virginia.
Dr. Semple and his wife are both buried in the church cemetery located next to the church. Please contact the church office at 804-769-3246 or via e-mail for a tour.
(This portrait of Robert B Semple, by John Vanderlyn, is
courtesy of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society
and is not to be used
without permission of the VBHS.)