History of First Baptist Church, Elmont

 The roots of the First Baptist Church in Elmont began as a Church School in August 1904. Brothers Chasteen Harris, Henry Harris, and James Harris, who were members of the Union Baptist Church in Ashland, saw the need for a church school in the Elmont community. A parcel of land was donated by Bro. J. Joseph Pleasants and his wife Maria for the purpose of erecting a building for worship and church school. In August 1911 the First Baptist Church of Elmont was established with the help of J.R.H. Jackson, an Associate Minister of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Glen Allen, and it’s congregation, with the first Trustees being Chasteen Harris, Henry Harris and James Harris. The first pastor was George Wartz, followed by Philip Gunns, Stokes, and Frazier Wyatt. In 1919 the Senior Choir was organized under the direction of Bro. Johnnie Lewis, the organist was Mrs. Connie Anderson Harris. Rev. Gunns served as pastor a second time from 1926 to 1927, during this time the Deacon Board was Chaired by Dea. Chasteen Harris. The other Deacons serving at that time were Shirley Lewis and James Jefferson. Rev. E.E. Moore served as pastor until 1928 and was followed by Rev. H.E. Davenport who was ordained in May 1930 and pastored until 1946. Worship services were held on first and third Sundays in a one room framed building at 12:00 noon. Revival services were held the second Sunday in September. Under Rev. Davenport’s leadership the first vestibule, an addition to the back and electric lights were completed. A choir was established under the direction of Bro. Charlie Miller Sr. and robes were purchased for their use. It was in 1944 that the church licensed and ordained Rev. Wilmer A. Gaines into the Gospel Ministry. He served as Assistant Pastor to Rev. Davenport. Rev. Gaines also served as supply pastor after Rev. Davenport left from 1946 to 1947. Rev. A. Franklin was called to pastor and served from 1947 to 1953. A Pastor’s Aide Board was organized and Deacon W. J. Washington was ordained under his leadership. Members of the Pastor’s Aide were Sisters Leona Harris, Bernice Edwards, Matilda Lewis and Frances Miller.

In September 7, 1955 Rev. Benjamin Franklin Ross was installed as pastor and served until his death in January 1957. Under his leadership, three Deacons were added, Deacons Junius Davenport Jr., James Howard Lewis and William C. Davenport. A Deaconess Board was also organized, the members were Leona Harris, Bernice Edwards, Margaret Washington, Louise Chester, Arabella Shelton, and Frances M. Davenport. After the death of Rev. Ross, the B.F. Ross Memorial Chorus was organized under the direction of  James Harris and later Roy Gaines.

Various supply Ministers included Revs. Ben Jackson and Andrew Jackson, through 1957. Rev. Theodore W. Owens served as supply pastor from March to September 1958 at which time he was called to pastor First Baptist. Pastor Owens served until his death in 1965. Under his leadership the Baptist Training Union was organized. A bulletin board was erected in front of the Church, the bottom of the church was enclosed, two restrooms added, new steps were added, a new stove purchased and church bulletins were printed for regular worship services on second and fourth Sundays. An Annual program was instituted to recognize graduating High School seniors.

Several supply pastors served from January 1965 to June 1967, after Pastor Owens’ death. In 1967 Rev. Thurston Drew was called to pastor. During his tenure, the churches foundation was underpinned, hardwood floors installed, paneled interior walls, installed new ceiling and light fixtures, installed central heating system and new pews. On September 21, 1967, the following Trustees were added, Thomas Proctor, William Robinson and Junius Davenport Jr. Sister Margaret Harris was also added to the Deaconess Board. The Drew family donated a silver service water set for the pulpit. Rev. T. W. Drew served as pastor until April 1971. Supply pastors were used until May 1972. During this time the church installed carpet and purchased a vacuum cleaner. In March 1972 the church expanded its Worship services to four Sundays a month. 

Rev. Adam Grimes began serving as pastor in May 1972. Under his leadership Wednesday night Bible study was instituted, the Inspirational Choir was organized, new robes were purchased for the Choir. The church purchased new pulpit and communion furniture and painted the roof. The Missionary Circle was reestablished, three Trustees were added, in the persons of Berry B. Shelton Jr., Forest Lewis Jr., and Charlie E. Miller Jr., three Deacons were added, Thomas R. Proctor, William G. Robinson and Franklin E. Moore. In October 1974 an addition was made to the rear of the church that included a pastor’s study, office, choir room, multipurpose room, two bathrooms, kitchen, choir loft, baptismal pool and water fountain. A cement stoop, steps and wrought iron railings were added to the front entrance, and a wheel chair ramp was added to make the building handicap accessible.

A Hammond organ was purchased in 1977, a public address system in 1980, and a new piano in July 1984. Pastor Adam Grimes served until his death in April 1988.

On December 10, 1988 Philip Atkins was called to serve as pastor. Under his leadership the church has:

Cushioned the pews, installed carpet, began 11:00 am Worship services, updated PA system, installed a video system, organized leadership and evangelism classes, purchased computer, initiated children’s church, purchased church bus and organized bus ministry, organized P. D. A. Gospel Choir and Buds of Praise Choir, established church website, purchased new copier, instituted Annual Family Day and Recognition Day, purchased new piano and erected an utility shed. Two Deacons were installed, James Davis and Maurice Ward, three Trustees, Fred Dillard, Mark Lewis, and Stewart Edwards, seven Deaconess, Matilda Davis, Laura Grimes, Sarah Harris, Ida Mae Jackson, Diane Ward, Ruth Williams and RosaMary Winston.  In addition, there are four Associate Ministers:  Minister Chandra Atkins, Minister Lionel Harris, Minister Julius Muiruri, Minister Eunice Mukuria and Minister Hezron Njoroge.

In 2002, the Praise & Worship Ministry was formed by Mrs. Leslie Perry, Director and Deacon Henry Perry, Co-Director.  In October, 2003, two new deacons were ordained, Fred Dillard and Henry Perry.  In March, 2006, Deacon Henry Perry and Sister Cathy Harris were elected to the Trustee Board. In August, 2009, another deaconess was ordained, Cathy Harris.

First Baptist has a rich history that includes many who have served in various positions of ministry leadership and have contributed to the ongoing mission of spreading this precious Gospel that our Savior has entrusted to us. As we continue to build on this foundation we will forever praise and uplift our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.