208 years of history is dedicated lay men and women. It is women - wives - "steel magnolias," who sit, not so quietly, in business meetings, - women who teach the children - who sing in the choir. It is women who make sure there is enough food for Homecoming and enough power in the pulpit. It is women like Pearl Davis, Dorothy Sanders, Violet Hall (who has been playing the organ for over 40 years), Lucy Pritchett and Grace Mastin. It is the Women's Missionary Union. |
The 208 year history of Mine Road is written in the lives of its pastors. Twenty-seven men have served us as pastor - several for only a few months. Two, Philip Pendleton and Charles E. Sanders served for over 30 years. Each man, from Rev. Henry Pendleton to the present pastor, James M. Eure, Jr., has left an imprint on the nature of Mine Road Church. |
The 208 year history of Mine Road is more than buildings and cemeteries. It is people. It is dinner on the grounds and a ten-day softball game. It is Hallowe'en parties, "Womanless Weddings" and New Year's Eve Watchnight services. It is Baptisms and church suppers. It is tears of joy at weddings and tears of sadness at a funeral. |
208 years of hearing a baby crying in the nursery, an 8 year-old being Baptized, a teenager serving as youth pastor. |
208 years of history is men who gave their time and effort and sweat to Mine Road: J. A. Dillard, Clerk for 33 years Manilous F. Waite, Treasurer for 35 years M. H. Dickerson, Treasurer for 35 years Men who served in the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, Bosnia |
The year was 1791. George Washington was president of the United States. There were 14 states. This was the year the Bill of Rights was adopted. The physical and political boundaries of Spotsylvania County were much the same as they are today. Mine Road Baptist Church was organized by a group of people from Wallers Baptist Church. The first building stood about where Chewning's Store and Lumber Mill, (old Margo School) stands today. |
Mine Road Baptist Church - 208 years old. How do you explain the fact that we still stand while other churches are empty, crumbling buildings? Perhaps the following motto, written of another church, is the answer: "Founded on The Rock - Empowered by The Spirit - Kept by The Lamb" Excerpts from Rev. Robert F. Ellis: Mine Road Baptist Church 1791-1991 J. Roger Mansfield: History of Mine Road Baptist Church |
1791 |
Henry Pendleton, Jr. was called as the first pastor |
1848 |
Pastor William R. Powell and 20 members withdrew to form Hebron Baptist Church during "the test movement." |
1860 |
Sunday School formed. During this time (1860 - 1905) Mine Road was noted for its strict disciplinary actions. Dancing, the permitting of dancing, intoxication, non-attendance, and failure to contribute to church expenses were among the charges investigated by a special committee. |
1868 |
Black members left and organized Little Mine Road Baptist Church several miles down the road. |
1905 |
Present church sanctuary built |
1913 |
Land for cemetery donated by Festus E. Carter |
1921 |
Land purchased and added to church grounds |
1946 |
Mine Road Baptist Church, Hebron Baptist Church and Good Hope Baptist Church built a parsonage, on land owned by Mine Road, to be used by a pastor who would serve all three churches. |
1955 |
Educational unit built |
1959 |
Mine Road voted to begin a full-time program |
1960 |
Rev. Robert . Ellis called as first full-time pastor at a total financial package of $3000. |
1963 |
Sanctuary completely remodeled |
1988 |
New choir robes and hymnals donated |
1990 |
New front porch, handicap ramp, and air-conditioning added to sanctary |
1998 |
New sound system installed |
2000 |
On-going plans for an addition to the educational and social services units |