A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND CONGRATULATE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BLACKSBURG ON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AND TO COMMEND THE CHURCH FOR A CENTURY AND A HALF OF SERVICE TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY.

 

Whereas, having been organized on December 4, 1876, First Baptist Church of Blacksburg is celebrating its historic one hundred fiftieth anniversary in 2026, led by its current pastor, Dr. Wayne Brown; and

 

Whereas, this significant milestone celebrates a rich history rooted in faith, resilience, and community involvement. Since its establishment, the church has been a foundational element of the Blacksburg community, nurturing generations of families and encouraging spiritual growth. Among the celebratory events commemorating this high occasion is a special service to be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026; and

 

Whereas, although early records of the church were destroyed by fire, certain facts were gathered from a Yorkville newspaper dated 1889, memories of friends and former members, and minutes of meetings originating after 1909; and

 

Whereas, First Baptist Church of Blacksburg was first called Berea Baptist Church, being an offshoot of Antioch Baptist Church, which, in turn, was an offshoot of Buffalo Baptist Church, one of the oldest Baptist churches in the State. According to the 1889 issue of the Yorkville Enquirer, Berea Baptist began with a total of fifty members. The Reverend W.L. Brown was called to serve as its first pastor; and

 

Whereas, the church's original structure was located near the corner of Highway 29 and Mountain Street. This building served the community as a church, schoolhouse, and community meeting hall. Records indicate this building was constructed by Osborne Gunthrop; and

 

Whereas, the first people to be baptized in the original building were Mrs. Sallie Little and Mrs. Mattie Bridges. In the early years, the fledgling church established various organizations, including the Women's Missionary Society and several circles. During the pastorate of the Reverend C.W. Payseur, property on the corner of Cherokee and Rutherford streets was purchased from Mr. D.D. Gaston for five hundred dollars. In 1912, construction began on a new structure. The first service in the new church facility was held in June 1913, and at that time the name of the church was changed from Berea Baptist Church to First Baptist Church of Blacksburg; and

 

Whereas, over the course of the years, many improvements were made to First Baptist, including the addition of a parsonage and six acres of land, Sunday School rooms, a pipe organ, the property behind the church, and an educational building. The debt on all church property was paid off and a note-burning service was held in 1961. In 1962, the church voted to begin construction on the present sanctuary, which featured an Allen organ and Steinway piano. Later, a new parsonage, a recreational facility, and a family life center were added, and many renovations have been installed that have enhanced existing facilities; and

 

Whereas, First Baptist Church of Blacksburg has been a beacon of light and a community worship center in the Blacksburg area for one hundred fifty years, and, God willing, will continue its godly heritage for many more years of worship and service. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and congratulate First Baptist Church of Blacksburg on the occasion of its historic one hundred fiftieth anniversary and commend the church for a century and a half of service to God and the community.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to First Baptist Church of Blacksburg.

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