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The History of our Present Church Building-Wheeling WV. October 1961-Present Day (Appreciation is expressed to Bob Hartong and Gini Carle, members of the archives committee as well as Linda Gaus, church secretary for their assistance in gathering the information needed to compile the current history, stated below.)
During the past 50 years, the First Baptist Church on National Road has undergone changes, both in the physical structure and in the internal operations of the church organization, with its members always remaining focused on the saving graces of salvation through Jesus Christ and through following the Word of God in the Bible.
THE CHURCH BUILDING AND PROPERTIES: In 1972 decision was made to sell the church house property located next door to the church and use the revenue towards construction of an educational wing at the church. As early as 1979, research was begun to determine space needs for additional classrooms as the congregation continued to grow. During the 1990's the pews in the sanctuary were all padded and upholstered. In 1999 the church was able to purchase back "The House" as we call it, and to utilize its many rooms for additional Sunday school classroom space. But more progress was needed in the main building and on February 17, 2002, ground was broken for a $1.5 million dollar renovation and additions building project. Long-time church member, Wheeling architect, and centenarian Tracy R. Stephens developed plans for the project. The contractors for the project were Jarvis, Downing, and Emch of Wheeling. Active construction began April 11, 2002. A six-story elevator tower was added to service all levels of the education and sanctuary building from the lower parking lot. The Fellowship Hall was completely remodeled including making the rest rooms handicap accessible. The church kitchen was enlarged, remodeled and fully equipped. Major improvements were made to the sanctuary air delivery system and the sanctuary was repainted. The construction was completed in 170 days, just in time for the churches 170th Anniversary Celebration.
Also during 2002, the 3rd floor level of the Church House was renovated to provide guest room accommodations for visiting missionaries. This "Apartment" and was first utilized by Dr. Gerald Morgan during his year serving as Interim Pastor.
Late in 2006 through early 2007, the first floor of the Church House was completely remodeled with the exception of the kitchen which was done the previous year. The Church House presently serves as a meeting place for the youth group and other church committees and houses the office of the Youth Director. During the past few years, many other changes have been made within the church building. The pulpit area was enlarged with a kneeling alter and railing installed, the Narthex remodeled, the Chapel room was redefined and remodeled in Memory of the Ray B. Fee family. The sanctuary, Nursery, many classrooms, and office areas were repainted and carpeted. In the latter part of 2007, the Baptistery area on the upper level of the church had a complete remodel done by the Trustees of the Church.
EVENTS, ANNIVERSARIES, AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS: In 1983, the Church celebrated its Sesquicentennial (150 years) with a celebration ceremony held at the church. In 1987, we were hosts to the "Autumn Arts Festival" held at the church. In 1995, First Baptist Church of Wheeling hosted the 130th Anniversary of the WV Baptist Convention, with events held at the White Palace and at the church building. The convention theme that year was "Renew for Mission, Education, and Disciple." As mentioned previously, the construction of the church additions and renovations were completed just in time for the 170th Anniversary Celebration in 2002, entitled "Bringing Home the Harvest."
OUR OUTREACH TO NEW CHURCHES: In 1984, First Baptist Wheeling sponsored a Mission Church in Dallas Pike. Originally begun with a Bible Study in 1984, the church grew into a self-supporting fully constituted church in 1992. One of our previous members, Larry Lewis, was ordained into the ministry in 2004 and soon thereafter answered the call to serve as Pastor of Dallas Pike Baptist. During 1996, First Baptist Wheeling began a mission partnership with the Agape Baptist Church in East Wheeling. This church is also now a self-supporting church.
OUR RECENT PASTORS: ( for a complete list of our pastors, see link below) Pastor Robert J. Romick began his service as pastor to First Baptist in 1974, with the longest term of pastor thus far staying for 14 years. Pastor Robert (Robin) Crouch served as pastor next for 13 years beginning in 1989. During his time of service, he and his wife were instrumental in establishing a long time tradition of the performance of the dramatic musical production of "He's Alive" held first at the church building, then later for many years at the Capitol Music Hall in downtown Wheeling. Pastor Crouch accepted a call to a church in Charlotte, Michigan in June of 2002. Serving as Interim Pastor from August 2002 until September 13, 2003 was Dr. Gerald Morgan from Parkersburg, WV. Late in 2003, Pastor Darrin Wright accepted the call to serve First Baptist Wheeling and began his first Sunday in service on September 21, 2003.
CURRENT AFFILIATIONS: During 2005, the First Baptist Church of Wheeling withdrew affiliation with the American Baptist Churches - USA. We continue to be affiliated with the West Virginia Baptist Convention and are members of the Panhandle Association of Baptist Churches. The women's group, no longer affiliated with ABW, is now known as First Baptist Women's Ministries, and the men's group, no longer affiliated with ABM is known as First Baptist Men's Ministry.
MISSION OUTREACH: One of the major areas of focus we have at First Baptist Wheeling is on our mission outreach. We support many mission programs, from within the church, reaching throughout the state of WV, to all over the world. We are very blessed to have so many members of our congregation who are willing to go out into the world to do missionary work. From those who do service projects for a week, to those who in recent years have traveled to places including, but not limited to Zambia, China, Venezuela, Bolivia, Russia, Greece, Ireland, Chicago, Alaska, Mississippi, to Louisiana. Many of our college students have done extensive mission trips to help spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have many of our congregation, from the teenagers to our senior adults, who are not hesitant to go out and do physical labor and service projects of love when called to do so.
Not only do many members go out to do service work in the mission field, but they offer mission outreach within our own church. This is evidenced by the AWANA children's program and Vacation Bible Schools which bring in children not always members of our own church to participate. We sponsor and present revivals - a mission outreach to all who so richly benefit from the associated events, prayer, and worship. We have a wonderful college outreach program that gives those who attend our local colleges a place to feel welcomed and to worship freely. Many of the college students we partner with are international students far away from their home countries.
"We are pleased to keep you up to date on the history of First Baptist Wheeling, and look forward to going into the future, continually spreading the message of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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