In 1849 a young man named John Smith came from Richmond to join a Warrenton man in a business partnership. He attended church at Broad Run (the nearest Baptist church to Warrenton) very faithfully, never missing a service. Soon he tired of the horseback ride to Broad Run and, with a few other interested persons, he began holding services in the Court House in Warrenton. Later permission was gained for the group to meet in Miss Swift's Schoolroom on the corner of Main and Fifth Streets (the present Odd Fellows Hall), and the church organized there on August 27, 1849.
There were eleven charter members; the minutes record that Brother Cumberland George was elected pastor. Cumberland George, said to have a "voice like a trumpet," came 25 miles once a month to preach and care for his flock. Pastor George was a man of many sterling qualities who was loved by his congregation and widely known and honored by the community. He served as first vice-president of the Baptist Foreign Mission Board, as well as in other positions of leadership among Baptists of Virginia.
The next project was to build a church building. The property on the corner of Main and Sixth Streets, where the present church stands, was given to the little group by Judge William H. Gaines. They were determined to have their own church, worked hard and inspired the people of the community who assisted in every way possible. An early roster notes 28 members, 19 white and nine black, probably about the correct size of the membership at the end of 1849.
from History of Warrenton Baptist Church
1849-1988 by Edna Stephenson
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September 27, 1998 - Second Sesquicentennial Service
Dedicated to the glory of God and in memory of those church leaders and members throughout the years who have committed themselves in faith to provide a building dedicated to housing the body of Christ meeting as Warrenton Baptist Church.
"The Building"
- 1849 The first building was erected measuring 30 x 50 feet; it was completely paid for by the time it was finished.
- 1855 The church "house was not to be used for any political purpose."
- 1857 A larger building was needed. Prominent Philadelphia architect, Samuel Sloan, was engaged to draw the plans. Ours is one of only two buildings Mr. Sloan designed in Virginia. In the 1950's a few original sketches were found in the henhouse of the granddaughter of the builder, John R. Spilman. Cost - $10,000.
- 1861 The basement of this present building (Fellowship Hall) was ready for use, but construction was interrupted by the War. The members were scattered, the pastor dismissed and the building used as a hospital by both Confederate and Union armies. The original benches were used for cots, coffins, and splints.
- 1867 New pastor Rev. Henry Wyer determined to finish the building. It was dedicated in May of 1868.
- 1870 The church steeple put in place.
- 1874 The first baptism held in the new building.
- 1876 Committee appointed to build or buy a parsonage. The exact date of purchase is not known, probably some time in 1884.
- 1890 The building was seriously damaged by a windstorm; other churches in town offered facilities for meetings while repairs were done.
- 1902 The old lighting of candles and lamps was replaced with electricity.
- 1904 Deacons requested certain changes in the pulpit area; changes were to be in accordance with plans submitted by the architect and were not to be done until the money was raised to pay for them - which was accomplished in six months.
- 1949 Ground-breaking service for addition of wings on either side of original building.
- 1956 The new parsonage was built behind the old one, which was then torn down. The church's telephone number was: Number One. The baptistry was moved from the floor under the pulpit to its present location.
- 1957 Rev. Saunders listed as one of his goals that the church acquire property for future growth; the property between the church and the Odd Fellows Hall was purchased in 1958 for $10,000.
- 1962 The Wood Educational Building was dedicated.
- 1971 The Saunders Educational Building was dedicated.
- 1982 Property behind the church was purchased; the lot was paved for parking. The elevator was installed.
- 1983 Money was left by a member to buy cushions for the pews.
- In the years since, many repairs have been made, asbestos was removed from the ceilings of the Wood and Saunders buildings, the kitchen and fellowship hall were renovated; most recently extensive repairs have been made to the steeple (now 128 years old).
- 1998 The purchase of land on the block surrounding the church is in progress. Once again the members will be called upon to provide for future generations, as those who have gone before us have provided for us. May we, also, be found faithful!
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October 25, 1998 - Third Sesquicentennial Service
Dedicated to the glory of God and in memory and honor of those church musicians who have had a part in shaping the music ministry of Warrenton Baptist Church: Cindy Atkins, Marnie Benz, Chris Bess, Jean Callison, Professor Crane, Paul Dakin, Lutie Fielding, Mary Ann Magill, Dick March, Beth McNeill, Lucy Minter, Betty Rhodes, Tom Rush, Patricia Taylor, Robyn Teates, Ann Thomas, Conway Thorp, Capt. Addison Utterback, Gail Winter, Dan Wood.
Musical Highlights from Our History
- 1857 Captain Addison Warren Utterback joined our church during a great revival. He studied music and became leader of the singing. He was a choir member until stricken by a fatal illness. When he died in February, 1896, the choir gallery was draped in memory and honor of his long, faithful and loving service.
- 1868 At the dedication of this building, the choir was commended for its addition to the service, having been led by a Professor Crane.
- 1879 A pipe organ was installed for $700. Organ and choir were in the balcony. The organ had to be pumped by hand by some of the boys and young men.
- 1943 Vestments were obtained for the choir.
- 1950 Jean Callison becomes Music Director.
- 1956 The church replaced the old pipe organ with an electric organ.
- 1956 The church voted to hire a Director of Music and Education; Betty Blair Rhodes filled this position. The music ministry was enhanced and expanded under her leadership.
- 1965 Conway Thorp served as Director of Music until 1985. Youth choirs during the 1960's and ‘70's grew to include large numbers of young people; musicals were presented. Marnie Benz served as organist and pianist.
- 1982 Service of dedication was held for the new pipe organ given in memory of Dan Wood, a long-time church and choir member.
- 1980's Organists included Gail Winter, Robyn Teates.
- 1988 Ann Taylor Thomas became organist.
- 1985 Lucy Rodgers was called as full-time Minister of Music and Youth.; first Hanging of the Greens service.
- 1986 First Handbell Choir - The first handbells (two octaves) were given by the Preston Moffett Family. The music ministry was expanded to include choirs for all ages.
- 1988 Upon her marriage, Lucy's position changed to part-time Minister of Music and the church eventually called a full-time Minister to Youth/Assistant Pastor (Doug Harris).
- 1993 After Lucy's death, various members assisted with the choir. The longest terms were served by Tom Rush and Beth McNeill.
- 1994 First full-time Minister of Music called (Christopher Bess).
- 1995 Paul Dakin called as Minister of Music. Again the program expanded as the music ministry now includes choirs for all ages, handbells, Churchestra, youth band and the first summer music camps for children.
- Through the years, many talented and committed members served as choir leaders, assistant leaders, choir members, soloists, and instrumentalists. Let us not forget Bob Taylor, who has kept the little Hammond organ in the Chapel going long after its normal life span!
Reminiscence of Dan Wood, choir member 1917-1971
The organ was at one time in the gallery in the back of the church, but I have only a dim memory of it being there. It was a hand pumper and it was only after it had been moved to the front that I began to lend a hand in keeping the bellows full of air. The organ had a sweet tone, but it began to give trouble by now and then squealing or whistling or what I believe the organ men called "speaking."
I don't know when this began to happen, but I believe Mrs. Fielding had it to contend with a number of times. As I recall, while Judge Fletcher lived, he made minor repairs and after his death, we got whomever we could find.
The choir was frequently called on in the days when hymns were nearly always sung at funeral services. On one of these occasions Helen Fewell and I were the only members to show up. My impulse was to leave, but I could not run out on Helen, so I tried to get her to sing, "Nearer My God to Thee," which the family had requested the choir to sing, but she would not sing alone. I never learned to read the tenor line, nor did I have the range for it, so the only thing to do was to chime in with the bass. I was apprehensive lest the deceased should rise up in protest, but nothing untoward occurred. There is good reason for giving up the special music at funerals. It is too difficult for members of the choir to get away from their work during business hours, but I feel sometimes that we have lost something.
When three of our girls, Jean Callison, Marjorie Schwab and Ruth Kehoe, sang at the cemetery at the service for one for our members, I remember thinking that if I could have as sweet music as that over my grave I should surely rest in peace.
Recorded November 28, 1971.
Our present organ was given in memory of Mr. Wood.
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November 22, 1998 - Fourth Sesquicentennial Service
Dedicated to the glory of God and with thanksgiving for those members and staff who have served the denomination at associational, state and national levels; and also those who have connected this church to its community through cooperative witness and ministry.
Cooperative Highlights from Our History
- 1856 Messengers sent to the new Potomac Baptist Association.
- 1860 While first building was torn down to make way for the present building, the Methodists offered their church for our meeting.
- 1880 Pastor Rev. Turpin went to the Southern Baptist Convention.
- 1881 Messengers were sent to the Richmond meeting to invite the General Association of Virginia to meet here the following year.
- 1882 State convention met at Warrenton Baptist Church.
- 1890 The building was severely damaged by a windstorm on May 30. Other churches offered their facilities for our use.
- 1900 Calverton Baptist was given permission to use our baptistry.
- 1912 On September 22, 1912, the morning service was canceled in order for people to attend services as the new Methodist Church on Winchester Street (now Warrenton Bible Fellowship).
- 1949 The single envelope system was adopted, giving a percentage of the church budget to the Cooperative Program.
- 1952 On September 30, a community Thanksgiving and Dedication Service was held in our church, celebrating the newly completed Revised Standard Version of the Bible, with all Warrenton ministers taking part.
- 1958 Most Warrenton churches took turns broadcasting services on the radio. Each church took a month at a time.
- 1964 The church sent money each month to help a new church (Loch Lomond in Manassas).
- 1973 Friendly Friday Folk (a ministry for older folks in the community) began meeting.
- 1969 Our long tradition of interracial services with First Baptist Church began.
- 1990 Helped Covenant Baptist Church start.
- 1992 June 17 - WBC became a Covenant Church with Habitat for Humanity.
- 1996 In January WBC began a cooperative effort with People Helping People to meet emergency needs within the county. WMU had operated a clothes closet for the needy for many years and our church had previously operated the food closet and our own ministry to the needy, cooperating with FISH.
- 1999 In July, WBC will lead our community in hosting 250-350 youth from Southern Baptist churches across the nation as a World Changers site. Their mission will be to improve substandard housing in Fauquier County.
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December 13, 1998 - Fifth Sesquicentennial Service
Missions Highlights
- 1879 WBC organized the Judson Missionary Society with about fifty contributing members. The organization included both women and men!
- 1885 Sister Fannie Russell joined WBC and brought such a zeal for missions that for a number fo years afterward a local missionary circle was named in her honor.
- 1892 The mission organization became known as Woman's Missionary Society, with about twenty members who, while they did not collect mission offerings, collected clothes and linens to send annually to home missionaries.
- 1945 The Woman's Missionary Society was expanded to include Girls Auxiliary. For the next four years, our WMS was given special recognition for its work by the state WMS office in Richmond.
- 1954 Anne Dwyer, a nurse in our local hospital (who trained at New Orleans Baptist Training School), answered God's call to serve overseas and WBC's first foreign missionary was commissioned. For thirty- two years she served in Gaza, Jordan, Beirut, and North Yemen. Now retired and living in Culpeper, it is very fitting that she was chosen to be our featured speaker today.
- 1964 Clothes Closet Ministry added at WBC. The same year, we voted to continue helping a struggling church in Manassas, Loch Lomond Baptist Church, by sending $175 each month.
- 1964 Voted to give 25% of the budget each year to the Cooperative Program, a 2% increase over previous years!
- 1976 Food Closet Ministry opened. This ministry is continued in great part today by contributions from Sunday School classes, individuals and local service organizations.
- 1980's-90's Saw a new level or involvement in local, state, national and international missions. First is the leadership and involvement we provide to Habitat for Humanity and People Helping People. Beyond Warrenton, adult and youth mission teams have gone to places like Iron Gate, Lynchburg and Virginia Beach, VA; Keene, NH; Dade County, FL; Thorndale, PA; Carolina Beach, NC; Vicksburg, MS; Peoria, IL; Huntsville, AL; Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; Beaumont, CA; and Savannah, GA. Most of these trips have involved building and repair work in addition to witnessing. Teams have gone overseas to Haiti, India, Tanzania, Colombia, Africa, Europe, South America and Israel to work, witness and conduct Bible schools. Also, individuals have gone overseas for special assignments ranging from several months to a year.
- 1998 Our WMU sets a record churchwide goal for Lottie Moon giving of $17,000.
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January 24, 1999 - Sixth Sesquicentennial Service
Dedicated to the glory of God and in memory of the faithful laymen and laywomen of the Warrenton Baptist Church, 1849-1999.
Layworker Highlights
- 1849 First leaders elected: Moderator, A.H. Spilman; Clerk, John T. James; Deacons, John Smith and G.G. Booth; Committee (to draft letter calling Cumberland George to become pastor), A.H. Spilman, John Smith, John T. James.
- 1850 Sunday School organized.
- 1857 "Men of the church were not content to work just in the church, but went everywhere preaching the Word."
- 1874 The male members who had been absent from the last two church business meetings were asked to be present at the next one and show cause for their absence from past meetings. A resolution was made 1) that required female members to attend all official meetings and 2) that they would be notified that their presence was desired and requested.
- 1880's There were 130 on church roll and 80 on the Sunday School roll.
- 1882-84 Dr. Chamblin, principal and teacher at the Fauquier Female Institute (now Sunrise Retirement Home), started a young people's work in this church which eventually grew into the Baptist Young People's Union (BYPU) and then into the Training Union (now Discipleship Training).
- 1886 First mention of ordaining deacons.
- 1900 There were 209 members on the church roll, and 93 on the Sunday School roll. The church budget was just under $2,000.
- 1902 Women were put on a committee for the first time (the committee was to have the church wired for electricity and put electric lights in all rooms).
- 1917 The ladies of the church offered to present an individual communion set.
- 1918 The Ladies Aid Society asked permission to erect a fence in front of the church (a hedge is there now).
- 1922 The first Property Committee was appointed; one member was a woman. Church members collected funds ($600) in ONE meeting to pay off the church debt.
- 1925 Four deacons were elected: William Martin, W.U. Parkinson, E.M. Garrett, and D.P. Wood.
- 1934 Three new deacons were elected: J.B. Grayson, P.B. Smith, Jr., and Lew Wood.
- 1940 There were 330 members on the church roll, and the age-graded Sunday School had 220 members on roll, and there was an active Training Union. The Woman's Missionary Society, enlarged and including all age groups, was graded A-1 and recognized by the state WMU for four years. The choir was vested, had a director and practiced every week.
- 1956 Membership reached 559 - present membership is 1143.
- 1964 There were 310 in Sunday School. A kindergarten operated in the late 1960's, but was not successful and was discontinued in 1969.
- 1972 Friendly Friday Folk organized for senior adults, a culmination of a dream held by Hallie Thorp (mother of Conway Thorp).
- 1970's The Bus Ministry included two buses, each with a driver and bus minister. Approximately 40-50 people were picked up routinely. The buses were also used for youth trips. The church library opened. The History Room was dedicated.
- 1984 The Warrenton Baptist Tiny Tot Care Center began operation as a result of initiative of lay members.
February 28, 1999 - Seventh Sesquicentennial Service
Dedicated to the glory of God and honors our response to issues, past and present, which face the church.
Highlights of Religious Issues
- Aug. 11, 1849 Just before the church was organized, nine white and five black members left the Broad Run Baptist Church in New Baltimore and in a short time became members of the new church in Warrenton. Following is a list of the black people who were presented for membership and received as candidates for baptism: Cyrus, servant of Susan Evans; Ellen, servant of Elias Edmonds; Catherine, servant of B. H. Shackelford; Caroline, servant of John Smith; Francis, free woman. Ours was the first church in Warrenton in which white and black Christians worshiped together.
- 1855 From the Minutes - Resolution: "That this house shall not be used for any political purpose."
- 1960's Several matters came before the people that needed attention: Sunday store openings, integration. All were in favor of Sunday closing of the stores. The ushers were instructed to seat any persons who came to the services and make no issue of who they were. (NOTE: It has been said that our pastor at the time, Rev. Lee Saunders, and Rev. Dick Winter, now retired as pastor of the Presbyterian Church, greatly influenced the manner in which integration was accepted in the community and prevented many problems.)
- 1971 Rev. Saunders wrote to Rev. Haskins, pastor of First Baptist Church, inviting his congregation to worship with Warrenton Baptist on Brotherhood Sunday. This was the beginning of the annual service which brings the two congregations together.
- 1974 The church voted to permit the use of the church facilities for the Headstart Program in Fauquier County.
From the flyleaf of our church history book:
Virginia Baptists must never forget their rich heritage. It was our forebears that led the battle for religious liberty...God forbid that we should let our rich heritage become a liability by forfeiting at any point the victories won by our heroic and faithful forebears.
M. Jackson White, Baptist General Association of Virginia President's Address (1958). Dr. White served our church as interim pastor from Sept. 1974 until Feb. 1975. His words are prophetic for our time.
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March 21, 1999 - Eighth Sesquicentennial Service
Dedicated to the glory of God and in memory and honor of youth ministers, volunteers, parents and youth who have dedicated themselves to Jesus Christ through the youth ministry at Warrenton Baptist Church over 150 years.
Youth Ministry Highlights
- 1882-1884 While teaching at the Female Institute in Warrenton (now Sunrise Home in Leeds Square), Dr. Chambin started a work with young people. This eventually grew into the SBC's Baptist Young People's Union), developed into Baptist Training Union for all ages, and became Discipleship Training and our youth ministry.
- 1890's-1940's We know the young people did lots of good things and remained an importatn part of the church, but our records are sketchy for these years.
- Late 1950's Youth groups met with pastor's wife, Carolyn Saunders. Pastor and Mrs. Saunders went with the youth group to Baptist Week at Massanetta Assembly Ground in Harrisonburg (before there was an Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference in Lynchburg).
- 1958 Worship team visited from the University of Richmond Baptist Student Union.
- 1959 Evening worship services began. Youth were active participants in these services, which followed Baptist Training Union led by Mrs. Saunders. After the services, youth fellowship hour was held in the parsonage basement.
- 1959 Youth Night was observed in April; Student Night in December.
- 1960's Activities included: Valentine Banquets, Youth Vacation Bible School, Youth Camp, RA Camp, GA Camp, GA Coronations, Junior Choir. Youth taught Vacation Bible School at small rural churches like Zoar. Clint Hopkins was Summer Youth Minister.
- 1960 Youth Week, led by William Jenkins.
- 1961 Youth Week, led by R.B. "Bobby" Moffett. Youth trip to Eagle Eyrie. Youth Drama. Betty Blair Rhodes came to WBC as Minister of Education.
- 1962 Dedication of Wood Building (with room for the youth group)!
- 1964 Baptist Student Union group visited from University of Virginia
- 1965 Mary Miller became Minister of Education. Youth TV Workshop.
- 1966 Youth drama, "I Saw Him," directed by Mary Miller.
- 1968 "Impressions from a World Tour" - Rebecca Saunders Hayes; Folk Music Sunday Night; Student Panel.
- 1969 Folk Musical "Good News."
- 1970 Youth Sunday, led by Gary Carroll. Youth musical. BSU Drama Team.
- 1971 Dedication of Saunders Building, in which the Youth Center is now located; Folk musical, "It's the Lord's Thing."
- 1972 Summer Youth Ministers included Terry Harper, Eddie Huggins, Murrell Boitnoit.
- 1973 John Upton, Summer Youth Minister. Tim Teates and Troy Hayes spoke for Sunday night services. Youth helped with the church's bus ministry.
- 1974 Folk musical, "Lightshine."
- 1976 Bill Willard came as Youth Minister.
- 1970's and ‘80's Helen Dellinger, Vivian Magill, Rebecca Hayes, Lathan & Alice Payne were among active youth leaders. Youth Church Training was very active with lay leadership. Many social activities, planned by the Youth Committee. "Fifth Quarter" entertainment provided after ballgames. Several youth musicals and retreats. One was held at Graves Mountain Lodge with Dr. Bruce Miller (interim pastor) and Rebecca Hayes as leaders. Youth Sundays continued.
- 1982 Pastor Sam arrived in Warrenton. Summer Youth Minister was Donna Yarber from James Madison University.
- 1985 First full-time Minister of Music and Youth was Lucy Rodgers, a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Lucy led mission trips to Keene, New Hampshire, and Caroline Beach, where youth were involved in street fairs, puppets, clowning (taught by Jean Payne), music, Backyard Bible Clubs and recreation. Youth retreats and musicals continued and a youth Handbell Choir was formed. Upon her marriage to Randy Minter, Lucy became part-time Minister of Music and gave up leadership of the Youth.
- 1988 Summer Youth Minister was Marc Patterson of Middleburg, a student at the University of Richmond.
- 1989 Doug Harris came as full-time Minister of Youth/Asistant Pastor.
- 1990 Sunday night youth group met at the parsonage again. Bonner Fishback and Buck Costello led a canoe trip. Youth attended Fishnet and met DC Talk before they were famous!
- 1991 Youth Winter Retreat. Youth Sunday, "Disciple On Board," Summit Lake Retreat; World Changers began; Mary Campbell cooked first Prom Dinner; first Family Missions Week at Eagle Eyrie; Sr. High and Jr. High Weekend Retreats at Eagle Eyrie; Live Nativity in Old Town Warrenton. Float in Christmas parade was only Christian reference in the parade.
- 1992 Youth attended Creation Festival; won second place trophy in Potomac Baptist Association Youth Volleyball Tournament; Evangelism Conference; King's Dominion trip; commissioning service; doing missions at Family Missions Week at Eagle Eyrie; Petra Concert; more canoe and hiking trips.
- 1993 Fireplace Room of Saunders Building became the Youth Center which the Saunders Family donation helped to furnish. World Changers first mission trip to Savannah, GA. Jr. High mission trip to Impact Lynchburg.
- 1994 Youth Planathon; Youth Sunday, theme "Caring More in ‘94"; True Love Waits; Habitat Project; World Changers mission trip to Vicksburg, MS.
- 1995 30-Hour Planned Famine; extensive mission trip training; Marsh Run Backyard Bible Club; Virginia Beach Resort Ministry; World Changers mission trip to Houston, TX; Josh McDowell Concert; painting second floor of Saunders Building; Promise Keepers.
- 1996 Michael W. Smith and DC Talk Concerts; service projects; World Changers mission trip to California; "Joyful Noise" Band and "Heavenly Voices" youth choir formed; Newsboys Concert; first Haiti mission trip with Les Enterline.
- 1997 Left Lane Ends Concert; youth block party; car washes; World Changers mission trip to Peoria, IL; youth Music and Missions Tour to Thorndale, PA; yard sale to raise funds for Haiti mission trip; leaf raking; service projects such as painting and winterizing a member's home; New Year's Eve lock-in; Haiti mission trip.
- 1998 Audio Adrenaline Concert; youth survey; Sr. High World Changers mission trip to Huntsville, AL; Middle School to Family Missions Week at Eagle Eyrie; DC Fest; new Youth Ministry Council; community Middle School lock-in at Vint Hill; Haiti mission trip.
- 1999 Joint youth service with Grace Baptist Praise Team at Broad Run Baptist Church; Youth Sunday 150th Anniversary service; this summer - National World Changers project in Fauquier County; and LOTS MORE TO COME!
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