Warrenton Baptist Church 

                                                  173 Years of History

 

There are many highlights which mark the growth of the Warrenton Baptist Church from a small group of worshipers in the 1800’s to a significant institution in Warrenton today. 

 

In April of 1849, a church constitution was approved, and the first building was dedicated;  the Reverend William Hill Jordan was called as minister.

 

One of the most notable pastors in the early years of the church was Dr. T.J. Taylor, who was called as minister in 1885 and served for forty-one years.

 

The church erected a new building in 1901 on the corner of Main and Ridgeway Streets across from the present location.  This structure was destroyed by fire on December 31, 1935.  The present church building was built in 1936 at a cost of approximately $25,000.  It was dedicated in February of 1937.  Soon an Estey pipe organ was installed as well as the pews and stained glass windows, which were given as memorials.

 

Dedicated, capable ministers have served Warrenton Baptist Church.  The church has also had outstanding interim ministers at times during its history.  Dr. Raymond Brown (1968-1969, 1976-1977) and Dr. John Carlton (1981-1982), both professors at Southeastern Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, had lasting influence on the life of the church and the church family as a result of their interim ministries.  Since 1976, Warrenton Baptist Church has employed seminary students to serve as youth ministers.  At least four members of the congregation have been ordained to the ministry.

 

The congregation of the Warrenton Baptist Church has been actively involved in ministry. The Woman’s Missionary Union, through its organizations for children and women, conducted mission study and projects in support of local, state, and foreign missions for more than eighty years.  Reaching out in ministry continues locally and globally.

 

The men of the church have been active in local and regional missions through the work of the Allen Bible Class and the Brotherhood.

 

In 1999, the sesquicentennial year in the history of the Warrenton Baptist Church a special Homecoming Celebration was held.  The people of the church remain faithful to their heritage and continue to dedicate their efforts to the glory of God and to His work in the local community and in the world at large.