HISTORY OF THE PETERSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
(Revised July 2014)
In 1871 a few concerned Christians, Brothers Norris Hobson, Isaac Fleming, Norris Hartwell, Jesse Scruggs, and Sister Betty Thomas, put their heads, hearts, and thoughts together to organize the Petersville Baptist Church.
Brother Norris Hobson’s grandfather bought a section of land from Mr. J.P. Wilson and it was there that they built a small log cabin. They secured a minister from Richmond, Virginia to serve as pastor whose known name was Jeremiah.
As the membership grew in number, it became necessary to establish and build an even larger building, which would be more spacious and a more solid structure. A larger frame building was constructed. The first elected pastor was the Rev. B.W. Hartwell. A number of pastors followed Rev. Hartwell. They were Reverends J.J. Jones, A.L. Trent, D.B. Edwards and William Thomas (1935-1953).
In 1938 during Rev. Thomas’ pastorate, ice and snow destroyed the building. Under the leadership of Rev. Thomas, Brothers William Brown, Cornelius Taylor, Sr. and Thomas Henderson began the struggle to reconstruct the framed building to resume services in the spring. Their mission was accomplished through God’s guidance and their hard labor.
Other elected pastors included Rev. Samuel Miller (1953-1965) and Rev. Paul Brown (1966-1970). Rev. Paul Spraggs was elected in June 1971 to serve as pastor; however, Rev. Spraggs never fulfilled his duty. It was then that the Deacon Board, with the consent of the Members, met with Rev. James L. Walker to ask him to serve as acting pastor. In September 1972, Rev. Walker was installed as pastor. During his pastorate, the church continued to grow. In March 1981, Rev. Walker resigned as pastor.
After Rev. Walker’s departure, several ministers were invited to render services. In 1982, Rev. James T. Jefferson, Sr. was elected and installed as Pastor. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow and underwent many physical renovations such as new pews with matching carpet, a public announcing system, ceiling fans, the installation of air conditioning, new tables for an outdoor dining area, plus the addition of a new front entrance with a wheelchair ramp.
During Rev. Jefferson’s tenure (1982-1996), the members of Petersville for the first time experienced a number of services sponsored to show appreciation to the members for their hard work, time and dedication which they had displayed throughout the years. In April 1989, a recognition service was held for twenty-one honorees with emphasis on the years of service to the church. In October 1989, a ministry appreciation service was held to thank those who helped to support God’s work. We were thankful for the hard working members who made sure the church’s business, duties and responsibilities were done decent and in order. We realized that the attempt to show appreciation could never compared to the reward that the Almighty God would have in store for them that love and obey Him.
In 1991, yet another blessing was bestowed upon Petersville. A Fellowship Hall, kitchen and baptismal pool were erected to the south wing of the existing building. This dream first seemed impossible, but a praying few stood in the gap and believed God for this reality.
It was then that God envisioned Rev. Jefferson to contact Mr. John Bell of the Bell Construction Company of Powhatan, Va. Through God’s divine plan, Mr. Bell agreed to take on this project. All necessary papers were finalized and by early spring the contractors began laying the foundation. In August 1991, we were able to host our many members and friends in the comforts of a fully furnished fellowship hall. A dedicatory service was held during the 1991 Homecoming Day realizing that the praises had to go up for the glorious blessing that had been sent down. The goodness of the Lord continued to shower upon us as we were able to pay off the loan for the fellowship hall in three years instead of the scheduled ten years—thus claiming another victory with God’s help.
After Reverend Jefferson’s departure in March 1996, for approximately six months various guest ministers allowed the Lord to use them as messengers for our congregation without a Pastor. It was then, through God’s divine intervention, Rev. Ollie W. Bolden was elected as Pastor-Elect of the Petersville Baptist Church in October of 1996. He assumed his role in December 1996, and in June 1997, Pastor Bolden was officially installed as Pastor along with his wife, First Lady Cynthia Bolden.
Our Church family had yet another vision—to build a new sanctuary to replace the worn building where we currently worshipped. There was discussion to renovate the old building; however, there was much needed repair to be done and this did not prove feasible. Seeking God for direction and under the leadership of Pastor Bolden, we proceeded to formulate the blueprints for a new building. After a bidding process, the G.N. Christian and Sons Construction Company (under the management of Mr. Ernest Christian), was selected as the contractor to undertake this project. Deacon Bernard Booker functioned in the capacity of the intermediary for the Church and the construction company.
In August 1998, the walls that contained over a century of history of our spiritual foundation came tumbling down. Many expressed a feeling of sadness as they viewed the debris that we had once called “our church”. BUT there was no turning back now. There was no time to have a call meeting to poll the members to get their final decision as to whether we should or should not build a new church. There was no time to add onto the Fellowship Hall where we had planned to continue our worship services. Our church home had been destroyed and now all that laid before were boards and old lumber that now had no resemblance of the Petersville we once knew. So now what do we do? It was then that we could hear the faint sound of the words of an old favorite hymn, “If you only trust in Jesus, everything will be alright”. We knew we had to step out on our faith and trust in the Lord. He had brought us to this point, and we had to believe that he would not leave us now.
Though we did not fully see the vision at the time it was unfolding, our Fellowship Hall built back in 1991 would play a vital role in our worship services as this structure became our “temporary church” during the construction of the new church. The chairs were positioned to form rows of seats for the congregation and a choir stand. To add to the décor, the pulpit furniture was placed in the Fellowship Hall. Over the months that followed, as we watched the foundation being laid for the new sanctuary on the outside, we were praising God on the inside of the Fellowship Hall for what He was about to do for us. As we watched the progression of the project, we could see the lumber being accurately and strategically positioned to form a new Pastor’s Study, Conference Room, Choir Room and a new sanctuary. Then in July 1999, the Lord granted us the opportunity to witness the first worship service to be held in the “new” Petersville Baptist Church. Along with the new sanctuary, we gained a new awareness of all we could accomplish with God on our side—for with Him nothing is impossible.
With the new building, came new visions of ministry under Pastor’s Bolden’s leadership.
- 2001—Purchase of a church van and the beginning of 5th Sunday Worship Services
- 2002—Sister Janie Booker started the first Video Ministry, The Young Adult Choir was reorganized, The Trustees constructed a sidewalk to connect back entrances of the church to the front sidewalk
- 2003—The beginning of Worship Services every Sunday
- From 1999 to 2003, in addition to Rev. Annie Anderson, five new ministers were added to the Associate Ministry Staff:
Minister Rosa Booker
Minister Calvin Booker
Rev. Jessie Johnson
Minister Albert Giles
First Lady Minister Cynthia Bolden
- 2004—Formation of the Debutante Program for our female youth by First Lady Minister Cynthia Bolden; the formation of a Nurses Ministry and a Church Nursery under the direction of Sister Ethel Scruggs; the first Vacation Bible School coordinated by Minister Rosa Booker.
- 2005—Sister Carol Allen purchased Art work for the Fellowship Hall and the 1st Christmas Worship Service was held.
- 2006—Church Library organized by Rev. Jessie Woodson-Johnson; Rev. Woodson-Johnson also orchestrated the purchase of additions to our church’s décor which included the American flag, the Christian flag and a lighted cross for the pulpit area. Brick columns for the yard and cemetery entrance along with flower gardens were built by the Trustee Board under the leadership of Trustee Charles Crawley. Perhaps the greatest physical accomplishment of all in 2006 was the Church’s mortgage repayment finalized. The new church was built in 1998. In May 2006, Sisters Annie Allen, Alice Randolph and Jeraldine Taylor put together a fundraiser called “Family & Friends Rainbow Rally which yielded a total of over $10,000.00. The mortgage could now to be paid in full allowing the church to claim the status of being “debt-free”. Through God’s grace, mercy and many financial blessings, we were able to pay off a 20 year mortgage in 7 years (1999-2006).
- 2008—New tables purchased for the Fellowship Hall, installation of security alarm system, 4th Sunday designated for Associate Ministers’ ministry, Minister Rosa Booker appointed as Assistant Pastor.
- 2009—Visitor Gift Bag initiated, organization of Prayer Warriors, pavement of parking lot, computer added to Church Library.
- 2010—New PA system installed, Youth Workshops started, first Church Directory, Church Nursery created, PBC Facebook created, initiation of one church treasury started, new addition of ministerial staff—Minister Joseph Patterson, creation of Pastoral Internet Ministry (truepraise.org.)
- 2011—Creation of Church website (pbcministries.com); Regeneration Ministry started.
- 2012—Groundbreaking for new fellowship hall; Vessels of Praise Dancers Ministry started.
- 2013—4th Sunday 8:00 Worship Service started; License of occupancy given for new fellowship hall; Computer Classes started; Sunday School/Bible Study changed—Sunday School on 1st Sundays only and Bible Study to be held on 2nd and 3rd Sunday; Morning Prayer Worship held every 3rd Saturday; Wellness Program started.
- 2014—New Fellowship Hall—the Nehemiah House—completed and furnished; Church Mothers—Sister Delphine Dabney and Sister Mary Royall; Church Father—Deacon Warren Henderson.
The aforementioned were some of the many visions which came to pass. Not mentioned but more important were the many fellowship gatherings and Worship Services that enhanced our spiritual well being including Bible Studies, Intercessory and Morning Prayer. Over the years, many souls have been led to Christ and youth have been dedicated for the glory of God which are all very important aspects of the mission of the Church.
We are thankful to the dedicated members, both past and present, who have sacrificed time and service for the welfare of the business affairs of this church. God uses ordinary people to get a job done in His kingdom.
Honorable mentions include:
Pastors: Pastor Jeremiah, Rev. B.W. Hartwell, Rev. J.J. Jones, Rev. A.L. Trent, Rev. D.B. Edwards, Rev. William Thomas, Rev. Samuel H. Miller, Rev. Paul Brown, Rev. James L. Walker and Rev. James T. Jefferson. Current Pastor: Rev. Ollie W. Bolden.
Associate Pastors: Minister Cynthia Bolden, Rev. Annie Anderson, Minister Rosa Booker, Minister Calvin Booker, Rev. Jessie Woodson-Johnson, Minister Albert Giles and Minister Joseph Patterson.
Deacons: Deacons Silas Booker, Richard Taylor, Silas Dean, Walker Henderson, Burley Booker, John Fowler, Jesse Holman, Nathan Fleming, Nicholas Booker, Edward Taylor, William Hendricks, William Fleming, Cornelius Taylor, Sr., Reuben Foster, John Booker, Richard Carter, Sr., Ernest Holmes, William Anderson, Sr., Alexander Woodson, Sr., Eddie Reed, Wesley Royall, Charlie Taylor and Raymond Anderson. Current Deacons: Deacons Bernard Booker, Lewis Anderson, Warren Henderson, Robert Cooper, Carl Brown, Earl Royall, Lonnie Johnson, Walter Brown and Rickie Bolden.
Trustees: Brothers Jake Blaine, Sargeant W.A. Peterson, Maurice Hobson, Edward Monroe, William Booker, Robert Ware, Isaac Fleming, William Holman, John Foster, James Henderson, Cornelius Taylor, Jr. William Anderson, Sr., Alexander Woodson, Sr., Willie Gordon Brown, Calvin Booker, Sr., Clarence Taylor and Wesley Royall. Current Trustees-Charles Crawley, Bernard Booker, Robert Cooper, Carl Brown, Charlie Allen, Antonio Cooper, Lonnie Johnson, Earl Royall, Marcus Vick, Alvin Johnson, Allen Brown, Roger Jones , Sammy Harris, Antonio Allen, Danny Royall and James Pollock.
Church Treasurers: Cornelius Taylor, Sr., Alexander Woodson, Sr.,William Anderson, Carl Brown. Current Treasurer: Financial Secretary Jeraldine Seay
Building Fund Clerks: Gracie Woodson, Rev. Jessie Woodson-Johnson and Carol Allen.
Financial Secretaries: Alexander Woodson and Sheila Booker Current Financial Secretary: Jeraldine Taylor
Church Secretaries: Jake Blaine, John Booker and Marinda Anderson. Current Church Secretary: Sheila Booker
Church Sexton: Clyde Brown, Warren Henderson, Carol Allen and Lucille Harris. Current Sexton: Theresa Booker
Church Father: Deacon Warren Henderson (Effective August 3, 2014)
Church Mother: Deaconess Carrie Carter; Current Mothers: Sister Delphine Dabney and Sister Mary Royall
Current Church Ministries/Ministry Presidents:
Book Club—Anna Allen
Choir Directors—Min. Cynthia Bolden, Jeraldine Taylor; Current: Nellie Blanton, Min. Joseph Patterson, Alice Randolph
Computer Class—Duane & Tara Cunningham
Day Missions Ministry—Nellie Blanton and Shirley Brown
Deacon Board—Bernard Booker
Deaconess Board—Sheila Booker, now Vacant
Debutante Director—Minister Cynthia Bolden
Hospitality Director—Cynthia Jones
Missionary Circle—Jeraldine Royall Seay, Arlene Robinson
Morning Prayer—Rev. Annie Anderson
Music Ministry—Michael Bolden, Lakita Bolden and Nellie Blanton
Nursery—Charlene Booker
Nurses Ministry—Ethel Scruggs
Nursing Home—Min. Rosa Booker, Ministry no longer active
Pastor’s Aid Society—Shirley Cooper; Current: Mary James
Prayer Warriors—Mary Brown
Public Relations—Tawanna Patterson
Regeneration Ministry—Rickie Bolden
Senior Choir—Carol Allen
Sunday School—Robert Cooper
Trustee Board—Charles Crawley
Usher Board—Carl Brown
Vessels of Praise—Mary James
Video/Audio Coordinators—Michael Bolden, Roger Jones, Kendal Randolph; Current: Michael Bolden, Roger Jones, DeAndre Mosley and Brandon Mosley
Voices of Judah—Minister Cynthia Bolden; Current: Minister Joseph Patterson
Website Ministries—Pastor Ollie Bolden, Duane Cunningham, Tara Cunningham
Wellness Class—RoShelle Reed
Women’s Ministry—Carol Allen
Worship Leaders—Pastor Ollie Bolden
Young Adult Choir—Minister Cynthia Bolden; Choir no longer active
Youth Directors—Carl Brown, Sister Arlene Robinson, Lakita Bolden, Roger Jones
Youth of Praise—Min. Joseph Patterson & Alice Randolph
Proverbs 29:18 tells us that “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. And….so….
here we all stand one hundred and forty years later from the thought that organized the Petersville Baptist Church….and we’re still working God’s will and purpose for His people. We’re still a group of concerned Christians who are convinced that we can do great things for the Lord, if we continue to walk in obedience to His will. We are thankful to God for allowing us to be His servants.
We are thankful to God His Word that directs us and for the spiritual foundation called the Petersville Baptist Church. It’s our home away from home where we come to fellowship with one another, where we gather to worship God, where we learn from one another and help to bear one another’s burdens, and where we can come to study and feast and find refuge in God’s Word.
Here at Petersville, we want to reserve ourselves for the Master’s use. We want to continue to be used mightily by God in whatever capacity He appoints or anoints us. We want to continue to be the beacons of light that are not hidden under a bushel, but shining brightly and boldly in a sometimes cold, dark, unfriendly world to proclaim to the sinner man that Jesus lives. We want to appeal to the unsaved, deliver the oppressed, rescue the hopeless and point them all to a Savior who can make life worth living no matter what the situation.
God has been mighty….mighty good to us here at Petersville. And for all He has done, we are truly grateful. Here and now, we vow to continue to be servants of the Most High God.