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 Church History Below is a time line on the history of Beaverdam Baptist Church. - December 24, 1771 - Before our church was organized, a deed was recorded to the first Baptist church established in Bedford County, Jointee Baptist Church, which later united with Beaverdam.
- 1801 - Beaverdam Baptist Church was planted, a branch of Goose Creek Church, which is now Morgans Baptist Church in Moneta.
- April 2, 1803 - In Chamblissburg, Bedford County, Virginia, Beaverdam Baptist Church was organized, with a membership of 43. The first place of worship was a log house on the site of the old church sanctuary, used until 1849.
- 1804 - Beaverdam was received into the Strawberry Baptist Association. Joshua Burnett was called as the minister.
- 1805 - Church enrollment had grown to 110.
- 1817 - The first recorded instance of a fund for missions was raised and a prayer for the spread of the Gospel was offered.
- 1831 - A Revival at Beaverdam came to be known as the greatest revival of religion in Bedford County up to that date.
- 1833 - The question of missions arose in the church. Eight members, believing missions was a departure from the Baptist faith, left and united with the Primitive Baptist Church at Lynville.
- 1842 - Another revival brought about 30 professions of faith. Most joined Beaverdam.
- 1847 - Rev. Thomas C. Goggin assumed the pastoral care of the church. Salary was still $40.00. In July, a collection of $10.00 was received and sent to the General Association. This was the first record of Beaverdam's contribution to Foreign Missions.
- 1849 - Jointee Baptist Church, located three miles South of Beaverdam, closed and members united with Beaverdam. The brick building, now the "Old Sanctuary" was built then, and still used today.
- 1853 - Rev. Goggin resigned and Rev. Thomas Sanderson was chosen pastor for an annual salary of $100.00.
- 1857 - Membership had grown to over 130.
- 1859 - Thirteen members were granted letters to constitute Shady Grove Baptist Church.
- 1860 - Ten members left to constitute Flint Hill Baptist Church. In addition many of the charter members of Vinton Baptist and Barnhardt Baptist were once members of Beaverdam.
- 1871 - A revival brought 27 new believers, and another in 1874 brought additional new converts to Beaverdam.
- 1884 - A 14-day Revival brought 40 new believers to Beaverdam.
- 1887 - Sunday School was organized and still continues today.
- 1889 - Beaverdam received 24 new members after a Revival.
- 1891 - A ladies committee at Beaverdam collected funds to furnish a room at the Jeter Female Institute in Bedford honoring Rev. Gabriel Wheeler.
- 1993 - The Methodist organization section of Beaverdam Baptist Church withdrew to build a local Methodist church. Rev. J. W. Parish was pastor there. Beaverdam purchased its first organ.
- 1896 - Rev. J. A. Barnhardt suggested a central burying ground. Beaverdam purchased 2 acres adjoining the church for a church cemetery.
- 1899 - General renovations and repairs were made to the church and lasted several years.
- 1921 - Walls of the church building were overhauled.
- 1938 - Electricity was installed in the church.
- 1942 - Woman's Missionary Union was organized, with Marjorie Franklin first President.
- 1946 - A basement was dug under the sanctuary, the main floor was raised and windows shortened. The balcony where black parishioners once sat was removed.
- 1948 - The Church built the current parsonage.
- 1951 - A 2-story educational building was added to the back of the church.
- 1952 - New pews were installed in the sanctuary.
- 1959 - Miss Elaine Hancock became Beaverdam's first foreign missionary serving as a missionary nurse in Hong Kong, China.
- 1962 - Sixty seven members left to form Chamblissburg Baptist Church after opposing the church's support of the Southern Baptist Convention and missions.
- 1966 - The church was updated and the parsonage was completely renovated.
- 1971-72 - A large 2-story educational building was built.
- 1976 - Rev. Dennis E. Moore became pastor. A new organ was purchased and the parsonage was enlarged and renovated. These were completely paid for with special offerings and gifts. In July the church celebrated Homecoming and America's Bicentennial Celebrations.
- 1978 - The church observes its 175th Anniversary.
- 1979 - Miss Martha Hoskins is sent to Brazil as a Journeyman missionary.
- 1980 - New heating and cooling system is installed.
- 1984 - A gift of $50,000 was received from an anonymous donor. The donor also offered another $85,000 in matching funds to the church.
- 1985 - The church voted to build a new sanctuary.
- 1986 - "Victory Day" celebration was held in September! $92,771 was raised to meet the $85,000 challenge. The donor matched the entire $92,771.
- 1987 - The church burnt the note on the Educational Building and broke ground for the new Sanctuary on May 24th.
- 1988 - The church celebrated the Dedication of the new Sanctuary in March. Also celebrated its 185th Anniversary.
- 1991 - Elaine Hancock Day was held. Our missionary to Hong Kong retired and returned to Beaverdam.
- 2002 - The Church began a "Debt Free by 2003 Campaign" and the church met that goal later that same year.
- 2003 - Beaverdam celebrates its 200th Anniversary.
- 2010 - February, Rev. Dennis Moore retires as pastor after 34 years dedicated to Beaverdam Baptist Church.
- 2010 - June, Beaverdam hired Rev. Edward "Bish" Creel as Interim Pastor.
If you have questions or comments about the history of the church please e-mail us at BeaverdamBaptist@verizon.net. For additional history, and to view historical items from Beaverdam Baptist Church, please visit the Beaverdam History Room located behind the "Old Sanctuary". |
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