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The Gainsboro History Project

Rev. Edward T. Burton

Rev. Edward T. Burton

Rev. Edward T. Burton, pastor of Sweet Union Baptist for 50 years, served both the community of his church and the community of Roanoke.

Early Life and Chaplaincy

Rev. Burton was raised in Richmond, Virginia, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Union University. In the midst of his education, Rev. Burton interrupted his studies to join the U.S. Army. After his military service, Burton resumed his education at Virginia Union and later received his D.Min. at Luther Rice Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida.

Activism and Community Involvement

In Roanoke, Rev. Burton was involved in efforts to improve race relations, expand civil rights, and improve public services. In the 1960s he assisted in efforts to integrate local restaurants. Later, he advised the city as it worked to recruit a more diverse police force and fire department.

Rev. Burton supported the protests surrounding the dump located in Washington Park. Additionally, he served as a mediator in facilitating discussions between Roanoke Catholic High School and residents regarding a proposal from the school to use a portion of Washington Park for a practice athletic field.

Rev. Burton has been a long-time member of the NAACP and served on the Boards of:

  • Planned Parenthood
  • The Adult Care Center
  • The National Baptist Convention
  • Virginia Seminary and College

Rev. Burton served as a volunteer chaplain for Roanoke Fire and Emergency Medical Services. In 2001 Rev. Burton was named Roanoke’s Citizen of the Year.

See Also

  1. Sweet Union Baptist Church
  2. Churches in Gainsboro

Sources

Adams, M. (2004, March 15). He’s exactly ‘what you need in a pastor.’ The Roanoke Times.

Burton, E. T. (2006, October 19). Interview by A. Ollie [Transcript]. Neighborhood Oral History Project. Virginia Room of Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke, VA. United States. http://www.virginiaroom.org/digital/document/BurtonEdward

Burton, E. T.. (n.d.). Resume. Gainsboro Branch Library Vertical Files, Roanoke, VA, United States.

Marano, G. (2003, January). Active citizenship became their way of life.  PrimeLiving. 

Shareef, R. (1996). The Roanoke Valley’s African American Heritage: A Pictorial History. The Donning Company Publishers.

Valencia, J. (2009, March 30). His last sermon. The Roanoke Times.