HISTORY

Historical Summary of the Fauquier Baptist Church

Fauquier Baptist Church was founded during the reconstruction period in the aftermath of the Civil War with some of the founders being newly freed slaves.

A number of worshippers at Emmaus Baptist Church – the first church in Goochland County organized by Black residents – walked from the Springfield area. To eliminate this long walk, a place of worship was set up in this area. Their early meetings were held in the vicinity of what is now Central High School Complex, near a well known as Julian Mealy’s well. The Fauquier Baptist Church was started out of these meetings with a membership of 25. The known founders were Brothers Warner Ham, Shedrick Taylor, Spencer Logan, Charles Payne, Robert Perkins, Patrick Clay, Dennis Twine, Matt Brice, Archer Cooper, Richard Dillard and Robert Dillard. They worshipped under a brush arbor until a log cabin could be built.

Through the years, Fauquier Baptist Church has installed 14 pastors:

1. Rev. Burrell Towler, 1867-1871, served as the first pastor. In 1868, one acre of land was donated at the present site.
2. Rev. Primus E Williams, 1871-1874, a blacksmith and former slave, served 3 years.
3. Rev. Samuel R Harris, 1876-1923, served for 48 years. The log cabin was removed and a frame church was built.
4. Rev. Jeremiah Miles, 1925-1927. The Missionary Department and Usher Board were organized.
5. Rev. William Brown, 1929-1937.
6. Rev. M.M. Turner, 1939-1949, also served as pastor of the Emmaus Baptist Church. The choir was organized and the Church’s first musical instrument, the piano was donated.
7. Rev. W. L. Saunders, 1949, served 18 months.
8. Rev. Edward P. Smith, 1952, served 3 months.
9. Rev. E. D. Yates, 1953-1963. The Men’s Fellowship, Lady’s Auxiliaries and Vacation Bible School was organized. The present church was erected in 1963.
10. Rev. E.E. Warren, 1965. Deacon Arkell Roane was called to the ministry.
11. Rev. John H. Davis, 1966-1973. The Deacon Board was expanded, a Bus Ministry and Kitchen Committee were organized and the mortgage was burned.
12. Rev. Ralph E. Johnson, 1973-1983. Gospel Starlights and Sunbeam choir as well as Family Night were organized. A church office, conference room and pastor’s study were constructed.
13. Rev. John S. Fountain, 1985-1990. Worship service four Sundays per month began, church constitution was completed and the Gospel Chorus and Young Adult Ministry were organized.
14. Rev. Melvin A. Woodson, 1993-2022. Worship Service on fifth Sundays started, the fellowship hall was constructed, five deacons and four deaconesses were added. Sisters Bertha Jackson, Carolyn McLane and Brother Harold Nash were called to the ministry. The Men’s Choir, the Children’s Church, Women’s Ministry and the Junior Missionary were formed. A third expansion of the current facility was completed with the addition of new restrooms, a new conference room, and updating the educational rooms.

Through the will of God, we are earnestly striving to become the true body of Christ and to move forward with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.