Clerk
A Brief History of Big Rock Baptist Church
Established in 1834
Big Rock Baptist Church was constituted in 1834 with nine charter members. The first church building was a one-room log house built on the present church property. It is thought to have been somewhere about the middle of the present day road since the church property lines cross over roads in all directions.
In 1884, a gift of $800 was given to promote a new church building. The building was dedicated in July of 1884. They had a membership of 207.
In 1948, three classrooms were added to the church. Over the next twenty-five years more space was needed. A Baptistry, Pastor's study, classrooms, a kitchen & bathrooms were added. The church was carpeted throughout and completely bricked as well. In 1980, again, classrooms were added with the addition of a Fellowship Hall.
In 1996 due to growth again, expansion was necessary. The auditorium was enlarged by extending the length 32 feet. This increased the seating capacity as well as provided a larger Choir Area and enlarging classrooms on either side. A portion of the present auditorium is the original church built in 1884. In 1998 a sound room and two more classrooms were added upstairs. While adding the sound room, Brother Haskel Bumpus pointed out some original timbers in the ceiling. They were put together with pegs, a method used in the 1800's.
Again in 1998 membership was growing and the church had outgrown their Fellowship Hall. Under the direction of Brother William Byrd, Chairman of the building and grounds committee, land next door was acquired and a brand new Fellowship Hall was built. Much of the labor was provided by the church members. Donations poured in and the note from money borrowed was retired almost immediately. The building was dedicated in June of 1999. At the same time, all parking areas were resurfaced with concrete and a chain link fence along the creek bank was added. Members added a playground swing for the children in 2001.
