Reverend John Jasper
Photo Credit: Library of Virginia Changemakers
About Richmond's Honorary Street Name Designations
Honorary street names can be found throughout Richmond, and are intended to memorialize individuals for their civic, cultural, humanitarian, or historically significant contributions to the Richmond Community. These designations typically apply to a portion of a street, such as a city block, and are designated by Richmond City Council via the passing of an Ordinance. Honorary street names do not replace the existing name of a street and do not require an alteration to maps or addresses.
Reverend John Jasper
Born into slavery in Fluvanna County on July 4, 1812, John Jasper would become a popular minister and public speaker known for his compelling speaking style and use of vivid imagery.
Following a personal religious experience in Richmond’s Capitol Square in 1839, Mr. Jasper became a Baptist minister, and for more than two decades, traveled throughout Virginia, often preaching funeral sermons for the enslaved. Reverend Jasper later preached powerful sermons to both black and white congregants, including wounded Confederate soldiers in the hospitals of Richmond during the American Civil War.
After his own emancipation following the American Civil War, Reverend John Jasper founded the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church on Duval Street in Richmond’s Jackson Ward. By 1887, the church had attracted more than 2,000 members, providing religious education and social services to the young, old, indigent, and infirm.
Reverend Jasper’s dramatic speaking style and vivid imagery garnered national attention, and he delivered his message in cities throughout the eastern United States for many years. The reverend also continued to preach at the Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church until his death in 1901 at the age of 88.
Designation Area:
The blocks from the intersection of West Duval Street and Chamberlayne Parkway to the intersection of East Duval Street and Second Street have been given the honorary designation of John Jasper Way.
Download the Council Ordinance:
Learn more about this Honorary Street Designation by downloading a copy of the legislation. The Council Ordinance below is in PDF format:
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