Abstract:
London's Primitive Baptist Church, built in 1895, was the first church for Afro-Americans in Wilson County. The church takes its name from London Woodard, a slave born in 1792 and ordained to preach by the Baptist church in 1870. The congregation planned to demolish the church after moving to new quarters in 1992, but grassroots support and two determined citizens saved the building. Grants provided funds, and after restoration, the church will house the American Museum and Library of Music, Inc., a private, non-profit music museum.