LITTLE BETHEL CHURCH

Title

LITTLE BETHEL CHURCH

Date

Early 1900s

Description

In 1904, Sideburn resident David R. Pinn donated land for a church. At first, the community met under a tent on the property. By 1918, a building had been built. During the week, the pews were converted into desks and the building was used as a school The community also used the church building for meetings and social activities.

Notes: Today the community center is used for seniors and after school activities.

Relation

Historical Marker Inscription.
After the Civil War, a small community of African Americans lived on Route 654, now known as Zion Drive. The Wrights, Hamiltons, Whites, and Pinns were farmers and laborers. In 1904, David R. & Sarah F. Pinn donated an acre of land to build Little Bethel Baptist Church. In 1946, the church building was purchased by the Immediate Relief Association, which helped neighbors in need. The Sideburn Civic Community Association acquired the parcel in 1973, and the David R. Pinn Community Center was established. After more than 100 years, many of the descendants of the original families continue to live in this community.

Source

Source: Historical Marker Data base www.hmdb.org

Type

Churches

Coverage

Location: Zion
Drive District: Braddock

Collection

Citation

“LITTLE BETHEL CHURCH,” Fairfax County African American History Inventory, accessed October 24, 2026, https://fairfaxaahi.centerformasonslegacies.com/items/show/96.