Our History

Reference: The dates from 1905 to 1955 are according to a copy of history first done by Maud Hurt and continued by Mrs. Evelyn G. Murphey, Church Historian.  Copies were given to church attendees for the 50th anniversary celebration in 1955.  Since that was written closer to the time of these events, we hope they are nearest to correct.  Mrs. Hurt was living at this time, and we believe that she consulted with Mr. Murphy about the text.  (Arline McGuire)

 

Pictures of some of the former pastors can be found in previous pictorial directories.

 

1905   

October 31, 3:00 p.m. - Chester Baptist Church was organized in the Chester Presbyterian Church with 19 charter members.  It was started with gifts from children and a missionary circle. Dr. A. J. Hurt and his wife Maude, who lived in the hotel on Railroad Street, when they moved to Chester, wanted to start a Baptist Church.  They initiated the effort.  Charter members besides the Hurts were: Mrs. A. C. Rice, Mrs. Signey Perdue, Mrs. N. A. Bass, Mr. and Mrs. Plummer Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Percy Clark, Miss Susie Clark, Mr. Kenley Clark, Mr. Floyd Clark, Mr. Cleveland Clark, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Graves, Mrs. Jim Cofer, Mrs. E. M. Shepherd, Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Bowles.  Dr. William E. Hatcher presided.

1906   

August - Chester Baptist Church was accepted into Middle District Baptist Association.  Rev. Arthur A. Davidson called as first pastor and served until 1907.

1907   

Rev. T. C. Whitehearst called as pastor, and he served until October 1908.

1908   

April 3 - Cornerstone laid for the first church building.

1909   

Rev. W. H. Lawson called as pastor.  He served until 1911.

1911   

Bell purchased and hung.

1912   

Rev. John M. Pilcher was called as pastor starting in December and served until November 1915.  First Revival was held that year.

1913   

Completely graded Sunday School and WMU.  Loan for original all brick building paid off in five years.  Installed electric lights in September.

1914   

January - Church celebration of being debt free.

1916   

October - The Rev. Ryland T. Dodge called as pastor - served until 1922 when he was called to Norfolk in November.

1917   

Parsonage built.  Ladies’ Bible Class took over janitorial work and applied janitor’s salary to building the parsonage.

1923   

May - The Rev. T. W. Page accepted a call as pastor - served until 1928.

1924   

Church Choir organized by Mrs. R. A. Justis and Mr. Benny Graves.

1926   

Indebtedness on parsonage paid off and construction of the Sunday School Building began.

1927   

Spring - Construction of Sunday School building completed.

1929   

April - The Rev. William C. Shawen called as pastor.  He served until he retired in December 1946.  As pastor, he placed great emphasis on Vacation Bible School.  Organized Baptist Young People’s Union.

1930’s

According to Judy Sloan Harvey, her parents built the house on the corner of Percival Street and Old One Hundred Road in the 1930’s, 4227 Old Hundred Road.  Judy is the adopted daughter of the Sloan’s.  Laura Sloan was the daughter of Dr. A. J. and Maude Hurt.

1933   

During the Great Depression, the pastor not paid for three or more months.

1942   

Carlton Critcher and Charles Graves, two young men who had been active members, gave their lives in World War II.

1947   

The Rev. Fredrick A. Scott, grandson of CBC charter members, came as pastor.  A CBC baseball team brought in a number of young men at that time.

1949   

Pastor Fredrick A. Scott resigned in April.  Unified budget adopted.

1950   

Dr. John Brown called as pastor - served until 1952.  Sunday School addition was begun and completed.

1953   

February - The Rev. Herman C. Inge called as pastor - served until 1965.  Mrs. Inge directed four choirs, and the music ministry became very strong.  Two morning worship services were started.

1954   

Member Joseph P. Wray entered Bluefield College to prepare for ministry.

1955   

Celebrated CBC’s 50th anniversary with many former pastors in attendance.  The Chester community was growing, and new families were welcomed into the church.  The blending of the old and new members strengthened the church body.  The Men’s Brotherhood grew to be a vital part of the church program.

1956   

Mrs. Maud Hurt, known as “Mother of the Church,” died.  Her husband, Dr. A. J. Hurt, was a medical doctor and they were initiators of the founding of the church.  The church burned the note for indebtedness in construction of Sunday School rooms under the Shawen Chapel old sanctuary.  Their daughter, Laura Sloan, became very active in mission, made mission trips overseas and became known as the church’s “missionary.”

1958   

Milestone year with emphasis on total stewardship, not stewardship of money alone.  However, dollar pledges increased 29%.  Every phase of work moved forward.  Large numbers of youth were involved in Sunday School, worship, and Training Union.  Purchased Fore property adjacent to church property and had dwelling torn down.  Hired an architect to draw up plans for a new building.

1959   

Groundbreaking for new sanctuary and education building

1960   

New Sanctuary and education building completed.  475 members

1961   

First worship service filled the new sanctuary, including the balcony on June 4.  The entire congregation was able to be present at one time.

1962   

Mildred Stacy Dodge, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Henry Dodge, crowned as our first G. A. Queen.

1964   

Reception for Pastor Emeritus Shawen’s 85th birthday.  Mr. Shawen had married over 200 couples during the time he was pastor, and 50 of those couples attended the celebration.

1965   

After serving for 12 years, Rev. Herman Inge resigned as pastor and accepted a call to another church.  Under his leadership, the church adopted a definite program of Christian stewardship.  Under the direction of Mrs. Inge, a graded music program was established, providing all ages opportunities for enrichment and appreciation for Christian music.  That year, Sara Jane Burgess, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Burgess, was crowned as our first queen with scepter.

1966   

September - The Rev. William C. Russ called as pastor - served until 1976.  Prior to coming to CBC, he was a Baptist State Sunday School Director, and CBC Sunday School enrollment increased by 33% under his leadership.  Church membership also greatly increased.  Parsonage used for Sunday School space.  The Media Library was established under the leadership of Nancy Edwards.

1967   

October - Mr. Kenny Carter, student at V.C.U. called as Minister of Youth and Music.

1968   

December - Purchased the Helen and Percy Curtis’ house and property across the street from the church for a youth building.  It was known as the “Green” House.  VIPCare (Virginia Institute of Pastoral Care) began a counseling ministry in the Hopkins house with Dr. Ned Stewart as the first counselor.

1969   

The Rev. Stacy W. Davis was called as Associate Pastor in charge of music and youth.  His wife’s name was Ethel.

1970   

October - Church membership was 827, Sunday School enrollment 953. The parking lot was paved.  Under the direction of Rev. Davis and his wife, who was the church organist, many CBC young people (the Ambassadors) traveled to many cities and other communities where they made a tremendous impact through their music and personal witnessing.  A CBC community bus ministry for Sunday services was started.

1972   

Began construction of the education building on the site of the old parsonage.

1973   

May - Issued $450,000 in revenue bonds bearing 7% per annum for construction of an education building west of the old sanctuary.  Paid off debt on sanctuary.

1975   

Lloyd Rodgers, III affirmed as a student in full-time Christian service.

1976   

After 10 years, Dr. W. C. Russ left to accept the call to another church.  Children’s Church began.  Church sponsored the Dutch Gap Chapel on Coxendale Road in the old Mormon church building.

1977   

Dr. Calvin E. Rains called as pastor - served until 1980.  The church experienced tremendous growth in fellowship and attendance. 

1978   

Church organ purchased in June.  Ann Totty was hired as church organist.  She served for 20 years until 1998.

1979   

Shawen Chapel, the original church sanctuary, closed due to its deteriorating condition, and the church voted to replace it with a new building.  Retired debt on Hopkins property.  Rob Pittman was called as minister of music and youth in April.

1980   

Dr. Calvin Rains, who had been pastor since 1977, resigned.  Church bus purchased.  Dr. Thomas Hill of the Foreign Mission Board was called as interim pastor.

1981   

Rev. Gary B. Thompson came as pastor - served until 1985.  Church contracted with M. and M. Wrecking Co. To demolish the Shawen Chapel.  Some stained glass was saved and used.

1983   

CBC was recognized as being 100th out of 1,500 churches in Virginia in total gifts to the Cooperative Program.  Church purchased the Green House, original home of Gregory Bass, charter member.  The Singles Ministry began.

1984   

Rev. Gary Thompson resigned as pastor.  Church called John McKay as Minister of Music and James M. Pahris as Minister of Education.

1985   

Church began to ordain women to the deacon ministry.  Dr. Roy Clifford served as interim pastor. June - Beth Lyerly came as church secretary and served until April 2013.

1986   

Rev. Spencer Price was welcomed as pastor and served for four years.  Baby Grand piano purchased for sanctuary.  Contracted new roof on sanctuary and education building.  Called Mrs. Libbie Geiger as Minister of Education.  Dr. Don Denton took over the counseling ministry for VIPCare, replacing Dr. Ned Stewart.

1988   

Adult mission teams began making trips to other areas helping construct new church buildings.  The Foreign Mission Board commissioned former member Lloyd Rodgers, III and his wife Connie as SBC career foreign missionaries.

1990   

January - Dr. Robert Compton came as interim pastor and served until 1992.  Mrs. Craig (Mari) Ellis took over as head of the Media Library.

1991   

Debbie Harris was employed as Finance Administrator and served until 2012.

1992   

February - Dr. Ed Stansfield came as pastor - served until 2007.  A new program called Parents' Morning Out was started in 1991 and that led to the start of a Preschool in 1992.  Christy McMillin-Goodwin began as our part-time youth minister and served until 1995.

1994   

Dr. Stansfield started new programs, such as TV ads, two morning worship services, and Tables of Eight, to encourage church growth.  (Church participants were divided up into groups of eight, and they met once each month for four months for a meal at one of the group’s homes.) The School Street parking lot was enlarged, and a church van was purchased.

1995   

October - the church celebrated its 90th anniversary with a month-long series of events culminating in a WMU service in the chapel of the Chester Presbyterian Church (original building) where our church was birthed. 

1996   

Plans approved for large addition to church.  Stewardship Building Fund program began.

1997   

Groundbreaking for the building to replace the original sanctuary and connect all buildings across the front in September.  Jeff Hill employed as Youth Minister April 1st and over 200 teenagers for the 1970's return for reunion. 

1998   

New Steeple, holding our original church bell, placed atop the new addition.  Mary Ellers and Bernie Morris were ordained to the ministry.  Ellen Sapko began employment as Church Pianist on September 1.  Keith Wilmouth was hired as church organist

1999   

Completion of construction and dedication of new facilities.   3-year Stewardship Building Fund exceeds goal as it ends midyear.  Betty Lou Johnsen started Companion Suppers each Thursday evening for the Chester community at no charge, but donations were accepted.

2000   

September 1 - Randy McConnell began employment as Children’s Music Director and in 2007 he became the church’s Minister of Music on.  Jeff Hill resigned as of December 24th.

2001   

Thursday night Companion Suppers became an immediate success.  Russ Johnson was called to be the Youth Director beginning on March 18 as Interim and on June 24 as Youth Director.  July 15 - Bill Damon began part-time employment as Associate Pastor with responsibilities that included Leadership Development.  The church had its first email established using Earthlink with dial-up connection.  Later, a new contract was signed with Verizon that set up DSL as the internet connection at an even lower cost to the monthly phone bill.  Bill also set up the church’s first web site and started subscription to the church’s database (ACS Technologies) online “OnDemand” feature that allowed access from any computer.  Prior to 2001, ACS was individually on each computer and updates had to be manually done on each computer.

2004   

WMU celebrated its 100th anniversary. Around this time, the Hopkins Green House was demolished and the VIPCare office was moved to the educational building.

2005   

At the business meeting on February 23, the church voted to demolish the Green House.  It was demolished sometime before the April business meeting.

2006   

Church celebrated the dedication of three new churches in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, and Cambodia, built by funds given by CBC.  Nancy Jean Roberts, Music Coordinator, and Russell Johnson, Youth Director, resigned.  Lonnie Brawley called to be Minister to Youth in September.

2007   

Dr. Stansfield retired.  The total building fund debt of the church was reduced to under $500,000.00.  Dr. Gwynn Davis called as Intentional Interim, and he began in mid-September.  Dr. Davis served for two years and led the church through a thorough process of self-examination.

2008   

Lonnie Brawley resigned as Minister to Youth in November.

2009   

September 15 - Dr. Lloyd Braswell became pastor of CBC. Susan Meredith began employment as Secretarial Assistant on March 16.  She later became a Financial Assistant.

2010   

Tommy Harris was called to be the Minister to Youth.  He served until the end of July 2012.

2011   

Contemporary Services began in the Great Hall as the result of a survey and thorough study.  Kevin Hood was called as the first Contemporary Worship Leader and began on March 6.  He resigned in 2013.  At the same time, the 8:30 a.m. service was discontinued.  Both the traditional service and the contemporary service were held at the same time - 11:00 a.m. 

2012   

Alice Cates began employment as Minister to Youth on October 28.  The paid position of church organist was eliminated, and Randy McConnel took on the added responsibility of church organist.

2013   

April - Beth Lyerly retired and Edye Parrish began employment as church secretary on April 29.  Joel Ingram began employment as Contemporary Worship Leader on May 6.  In July 2014, his duties were increased to include missions and a ministry to young adults.  That year the church switched fuel sources from oil to natural gas.  A new organ was purchased and installed, made possible by special donations.  In September, the playground was completely rebuilt.

2014   

Krista Manuel was hired as Children’s Minister in December.  She resigned December 2015.

2015   

Church voted to start collecting donations for a Memorial & Prayer Garden to be constructed on church property.

2017   

Joel Ingram resigned as Contemporary Worship Leader on April 16, 2017.  April 3 the church received significant damage from a hailstorm.  The roof and several air conditioners were replaced along with cracked windows and other minor repairs.

2018   

Rusty Peaks became our Contemporary Worship Leader on January 14.  Bill Damon retired as our Associate Pastor on August 30.

2019   

In February work began on the Memorial & Prayer Garden. Alice Cates Clarke resigned as Minister to Youth on April 30.  In June, the Contemporary Service was changed from 11:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The Contemporary Worship Service moved to have their worship services in the Sanctuary.  At the same time, an 8:30 a.m. Early Bird Bible Fellowship class was started and two classes, Berea, and Youth, started meeting at 11:00 a.m.  On August 14, the church paid off its debt on the building.

2020   

Lloyd Braswell resigned as our Senior Pastor on February 2.    In-person worship services were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  All Bible Fellowship classes, groups, and outside organizations were cancelled during the pandemic.  We began live streaming our worship services on Facebook, YouTube and our ChesterBaptist.com website on March 29.  In May, new cameras were purchased and installed in the sanctuary for live streaming. A Bible Fellowship class was also posted on the same social media outlets.  We returned to in-person worship services following the Governor’s mandates on June 21.  We also continue to have our worship services live streamed. Dr. F. Scott Spencer was hired as our Interim Pastor on April 5. Bryce Williams was hired as our Associate Pastor to Youth and Young Adults on May 11. Dr. Spencer’s last day as Interim Pastor was December 31.

2021   

Nate Travis began as Senior Pastor on January 1. In April we started offering two worship services again, one at 9:00 a.m. and one at 10:30 a.m.  Both services are live streamed. Part of the knee wall in the choir loft (in the sanctuary) was removed and put in storage when the two services began.

 

Updated January 25, 2022