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Our Legacy
1858
Grafton, Virginia
After a religious service held in a local Grafton, Virginia home, a meeting was held and a decision was made to organize a church.
1859
Voted to Enter Association
At the August 6, 1859 business meeting, a vote was taken to ask admission into the Union Association.
Preparing to Build
On October 1, 1859, a business meeting was held. It was reported that a lot had been secured on which to build a meeting house. The cost of the lot was $150, of which $35 had already been paid.
1861-1865
No services for four years
Due to the Civil War, no meetings were held from August 22, 1861 until December 2, 1865.
1866
Revival - Grafton, West Virginia
On February 3, 1866, the Methodist Church was secured to hold revival services. On March 3, 1866, a committee was appointed to make contracts for the erection of the new church.
April 21, 1867
Dedication of the new church
Sunday, April 21, 1867 was a very eventful day in the history of the First Baptist Church of Grafton. The church, built on Main Street, in Grafton was dedicated to Almighty God. The Beulah Baptist Church choir of Pruntytown provided the music for this event.
Remodeling and Improvements over the Years
1900's
In 1902, the church was remodeled with the principal improvement being the new facade. During a later remodeling, rooms were built to accommodate the fast growing primary and junior departments. At this time, the pipe organ was donated by the Ladies Aid Society.
1920's
In 1922, cement sidewalks were installed in the front and on the entire west side of the church as permanent improvements. In 1926, the following changes were made: removing the east stairway to made room for additional classrooms, installing folding doors in the adult department to give additional room, and redecorating the entire church. In 1936, the pipe organ was electrified at a cost of about $350. The coping on the church was also repaired, as well as plastering and repairs to roof at a cost of around $500. Extensive repairs were made to the parsonage, which had been purchased in 1919. At the time of the 80th Anniversary, in 1938, the church had 808 members.
1950's
A new parsonage was purchased in Blueville in 1950. Further improvements to the church included a new roof, complete re-pointing of the building and the strengthening and re-leading of the church windows. Improvements were also made in the plumbing and wiring. Beautiful new sanctuary lights, a gift from the estate and dedicated to Miss Grace Whitescarver, were added in 1954.
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The Educational Building, located beside the church was purchased in 1955 for $7,000 and provided 5,000 square feet of additional floor space. Approximately $20,000 was spent on the building and other improvements. This building permitted a fully-graded Sunday School. The church school was described as being organized along modern lines and was educational and evangelistic in its aim. The goal was to win every pupil to the Christian life and church membership before the intermediate age.
1958
100th Anniversary Celebration
The 100th Anniversary of First Baptist Church was a time of celebration and remembrance. A special pageant was one of the events marking the first 100 years of the church's history. Speakers included several pastors, who had faithfully served the church in years past. The congregation remembered the past and looked forward to serving God and community for many years to come.
1958-1984
From 1958 to 1984, the congregation renewed its dedication to the cause of its founding. Through the years, the church remained a revelation of the past linked to the present with anticipation toward the future.
1984-1987
The Dream Becomes a Reality
In January, 1984, the dream of building a new First Baptist Church was born. A closeness between the members developed during the three-year building program. Charles & Glenice Cather donated a parcel of approximately 28 acres of land to the church. The property was located on Rt. 119S and the vision and dream of a new church continued. The new First Baptist Church was dedicated on May 24, 1987. The dream had indeed become a reality and the church was dedicated for the future to witness, teach and bring others into the saving grace of our Lord.
2008
150th Anniversary
A committee was formed in 2007 to plan First Baptist's 150th Anniversary. The decision was made to officially mark the anniversary during weekend activities and services planned for September 27-28, 2008. An anniversary memorial garden was constructed near the church using bricks on the rear wall from the church on Main Street. Several pastors who served at First Baptist Church over the years were invited to speak.
2012
First Baptist Church Serving God and Community
The church has grown in recent years in its outreach to Taylor County through many programs, including Vacation Bible School and community ministry projects. A new outreach building was constructed in 2012. First Baptist Church currently houses Taylor County's largest food pantry. First Baptist works in conjunction with other agencies and local churches to reach the needy in the community.
Present
Today God's people at First Baptist Church, "Remember the past, celebrate the present and look forward to the future". We pray that the church will continue to minister to all those who need to know of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
