As the history of Gloucester Point Baptist Church unfolds, each of us who have been even the smallest part of it believe truly that this is HIS story, and it is with hearts full of love and gratitude to our Heavenly Father that we have now reached this point, our Fortieth Year as a church.

Every congregation develops distinctive characteristics.  At Gloucester Point Baptist, two threads are woven throughout our history.  First, our church has always had a heart for missions.  This is seen by our ministry to individuals as well as enthusiastic support for mission efforts around the world.  A second love is music.  Young and old alike "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100:1), as they praise God with song.  Our church programs reflect this focus.  As you read the following pages, look for missions and music.

Through the vision of the Rev. George Kissinger and the Peninsula Baptist Association, Dr. Herman T. Stevens was appointed to head up the new mission work at Gloucester Point.  Several meetings were held in homes in the community until sufficient interest was found to warrant securing a suitable meeting place.  On March 3, 1957.  The purpose of this gathering was to begin the actual organization of Gloucester Point Baptist Mission.  About one hundred forty persons were present.  A follow-up meeting was called for in March, at which time the Sunday School was organized.  On April 7, 1957, the first worship service was held at Pine Grove Inn, 1528 George Washington Memorial Highway, Gloucester Point, Virginia.

The Peninsula Baptist Association gave financial aid in securing the Pine Grove Inn property and further support until we were able to assume full financial responsibility Considerable monetary support came from the Virginia Baptist General Board.  Union Baptist Church served as "mother church", holding our members on roll and title to the property until we grew to the status of a self-sustaining church.

Dr. Stevens served as the pastor until June, 1957.  He was instrumental in convincing the mission to hold Daily Vacation  Bible School that very first June (for children ages three to sixteen years).  Dr. Stevens said that the best way to get a church started was to have Vacation Bible School.  The Gloucester Point congregation took his words to heart; seventy participated that June, and we have conducted Vacation Bible School every summer since then!

The Peninsula Baptist Association provided able leadership in the person of Thomas Frank.  During his pastorate, Wednesday evening prayer services, Sunday evening worship and a church Training Union were begun.  Rev. Frank's ministry here was very brief, because he was a student at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he resumed full-time studies there in the fall of 1957.

On November 11, 1957, the Rev. Richard Stennett, Jr., became our pastor.  He had earned a Bachelor of Divinity Degree in 1955 from the Southeastern Seminary and served as pastor for a Baptist mission in South Carolina before accepting our call.

Mr. Stennett acquired a wonderful "assistant", Bernard Walton, mission treasurer, to introduce him to the community.  Mr. Walton and his wife, Lucille, worked tirelessly in the new fellowship.  The early church suppers were held in the basement of their home.

During Dick Stennett's pastorate, the mission experienced significant growth.  Additional space was added to the facilities:  three classrooms and an assembly.  The fellowship consisted largely of young couples, and stories abound of the fun they had working together.  This addition was completed by January 4, 1959.

The year 1958 brought more outreach programs to the mission.  In May the membership voted to sponsor Boy Scout Troop 110.  This troop provided guidance and youth activities until 1979.

The Woman's Missionary Union was organized in October 1958.  A night circle was established while Dick Stennett was pastor.  A day circle formed several years later.  The night circle is known as Annie Armstrong Circle.  The day group was first called Bessie Conner Circle but later changed its name to Annette Acree Circle to honor a local Baptist missionary.

The W.M.U. has played a most significant role in our church mission work, both from the standpoint of teaching Baptist missions to adults and young people and of supporting Baptist missionaries in Tidewater, within the State of Virginia, in the United States and around the world.  These ladies have worked diligently to meet needs.  Their Rainy Day fund pennies bought the church's first silverware.  Recently, their Piano Fund bought a piano for the new Fellowship Hall.  As Sarah Starkey, longtime officer, says:  "W.M.U. is all about missions--learning about, praying for, giving to and doing missions,  We are laborers together with and for God."

Gloucester Point Baptist Mission determined, at its quarterly business meeting on July 1, 1959, that they were ready to organize as a church.  The Extension Committee of the Peninsula Baptist Association concurred.  A Church Constitution, Church covenant and Twenty Articles of Faith (See Appendix A) were drawn up and adopted at their October 21st business meeting.  The Service for Organization of Gloucester Point Baptist Church took place on October 25, 1959.  Leading the service were local clergy:  Rev, George Kissinger, Dr. Furman Kenney, Rev. Loyal Prior, Rev. Walter Martin and Rev. Chester Brown.  Dr. William Denson, head of the Department of Evangelism and State Missions for Virginia Baptists, delivered the sermon.  It was a time of great rejoicing for the ninety-three charter members. (See Appendix A) 

The new church called its first deacons in November, 1958, as specified in the church constitution.  They were W.H. Altemus, Allen Callis and W.A. Conner, Jr.  Fred Kimsey and Francis Rowe joined the Board of Deacons the following autumn as the membership rose.

Church choirs officially entered the picture at this time.  A youth choir provided special music at the Organization Service.  Adult choir scheduled rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.  Stuart Conner was our first choir director, followed by William Dillon.  Charter members Liston and Rachel Shackelford lived directly across the highway from the Pine Grove Inn.  They kept a watchful eye on the church building and opened their home and hearts to all.  In later years Rachel boarded VIMS international students and introduced them into the fellowship.  Many of us came to call her "Gramma".

Recognizing the need for a pastor's home, the congregation purchased a five-room dwelling in January, 1962.  This parsonage at 1714 Azalea Point Road was maintained by the church and occupied by several pastors, beginning with Dick Stennett.

Rev. Stennett resigned in May, 1962, to pastor the Gordonsville Baptist Church, and the Rev. John Coburn served as interim pastor until October, 1962 when the church called the Rev. Robert A. Martin.

Early in Rev. Martin's four-and-one-half years with us, on February 3, 1963, the church began to broadcast the Sunday Morning worship Service over local radio station WDDY.  Their Call to Worship every Sunday was, "Brethren, We Have Met to Worship."  Initially our radio time was three-quarters of an hour; under Pastor Bullock we increased that to one hour.  This ministry was sponsored for many years by the businessmen of the community.  In 1999, our congregation assumed financial support for this mission work.  

We have also participated in interdenominational Easter Sunrise Services at VIMS since 1963 with our Methodist brethren.

A library was stated, an organ was purchased for the auditorium and the educational facilities were enlarged again.  A 30 X 79 foot children's wing, which included a fellowship hall and kitchen facilities.  This Sunday School building was needed to accommodate a fifty percent increase in membership.  It was completed in July, 1964, at a cost of $15,000.

Gloucester Point Baptist Church had a strong children's program during the '60's.  This was evidenced by a Girls-in-Action Coronation Service held in October, 1962, honoring four girls who had earned the rank of Queen.  Also, our church organized a Junior and Cadet Girl Scout troop in 1966 to join Boy Scout Troop 110.  Forty girls participated in this outreach effort.

Rev. Martin resigned in January, 1967.  Rev. C.L. Fisher served as Interim Minister at Gloucester Point Baptist until June, when the Rev. Archer G. Turner became our new pastor.

Mr. Turner came to Gloucester Point Baptist directly from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he had received his Bachelor of Divinity Degree.  He ministered with us for two brief years, then moved to James Madison College in Harrisonburg to become the Baptist Student Director, a specialized ministry to young people.  Archie's talent for music and keen interest in young adults led him to organize a youth choir at Gloucester Point Baptist.

The church library was significantly expanded during his tenure.

Our church was "between pastors" for twenty months:  June, 1969 to February 1, 1971.  The Rev. David McAfee served as interim pastor; the Rev. Byron McCreary stepped in as supply pastor until we called the Rev. Andrew W. Bullock to be our minister.

The Rev. Andrew Bullock came to us in February, 1971, from Bethany Baptist Church near Fredericksburg, where he was pastor.  He had received his Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond in 1969.

Pastor Bullock led us in a building program.  In 1961, Gloucester Point Baptist Church had purchased several lots on Route 17, just west of the Coleman Bridge.  Now in August, 1971, the church voted to sell this acreage and purchase a four-acre tract on Route 1201, now Terrapin Cove Road.  A Living Memorial Fund was established and these contributions benefited the Building Fund.

On June 3, 1973, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new building:  a sanctuary seating three hundred fifty and an educational building with twelve classrooms, church office, pastor's study, kitchen and large narthex.

The first worship service was held in the new sanctuary a little over a year later, on July 28, 1974.  A special Service of Dedication was held on September 29, 1974, at which time the cornerstone was laid.  Placed in the cornerstone were the following:  a copy of the Holy Bible, a list of charter members and current membership, the church Articles of Faith, the 1974-75 church budget, the most recent minutes of he Peninsula Baptist Association, and the latest edition of the Religious Herald.

Rev. Bullock was our pastor for six years.  We have documentation of church events from 1973  to the present because Andy created a weekly newsletter, titled "The Vision" (Proverbs 29:18) for the membership. At first it appeared in booklet form, but by 1974, "The Vision" had assumed the folded sheet format it has today.  This newsletter was Pastor Bullock's personal outreach to his congregation, with articles about faith, religious current events, a weekly Bible Quiz and new "About Our People".

Andy and his wife, Mary Lee, organized a Youth Bible Fellowship and gave direction to it until January, 1973, when this work was turned over to Ron and Beth Benoit.  This couple came to use (as Bible college graduates with missionary experience) to guide our church youth.  They left May, 1974, for the mission field. (currently the Benoits manage a Bible Camp in Pennsylvania).

Ron and Beth created a special ministry for children at Gloucester Point Baptist in May, 1973.  Children's Church was held during the morning worship hour for youngsters ages three to seven.  This class expanded to two graded groups in 1977.  A Children's Sermon was introduced into the worship service in 1977 and remains a highlight for our continuing Children's Church program.

Fellowship activities during Pastor Bullock's years included Saturday morning breakfasts for men and boys, held quarterly, and Family Night suppers on the first Wednesday of each month.  In the summer a afternoon of family fun and food at Camp Piankatank.  Andy encouraged participation with his familiar, "You all come!"

In 1975, a Senior Citizen's Banquet was held for the first time.  W.M.U. initiated this function and Adult I Sunday School, and later the Youth, sponsored this annual event.  Now the deacons continue the tradition by treating church widow and widowers to a dinner in early spring.

Rev. Bullock served as revival preacher in many Virginia churches during his time with us.  He and his wife also shared in the Northeast England Crusade in September, 1975, with Evangelist Howard Baldwin.  This mission outreach was financially supported by our congregation and friends.

Our church's heart for missions is shown by the fact that we have participated enthusiastically in Peninsula Baptist Association World Missions Conferences, generally hosting one missionary each time.  Records show these were held in 1975, 1976, 1979, 1987, 1991, 1995 and 1999.  We held a prayer rally at Gloucester Point Baptist to support the Billy Graham Crusade on the Peninsula in October, 1974.

Our church began Home Bible Fellowships in 1974, as outreach ministries.  These Bible studies were held in various homes (an informal setting) to encourage friends and neighbors to learn about God and to mature in their faith.  They were an ongoing ministry for fourteen years.

Daily Vacation Bible School continued to thrive every summer.  Perhaps the highest enrollment came in 1976, when the rooms overflowed with two-hundred twenty-seven workers and children.  that year one class had to meet in the sanctuary!

In 1975, the church, acting on a recommendation from Pastor Bullock, created a Long-Range Planning Committee, consisting of twenty members, to provide insight as to future direction for Gloucester Point Baptist church.  The five sub-committees--Christian Education, Finance, Properties, Missions and Staff and Personnel--researched, evaluated and formulated recommendations.  Tom Riley, Chairman, was well assisted by advisor Rev. Marion Dubose.

After a year of hard work, the committee presented its twenty-eight page report to the church.  The recommendations acted upon were: 1) establishment of a Personnel Committee; 2) establishment of a Stewardship Committee (rather than a Budget of Finance Committee) to expand monetary matters to include stewardship commitment and budget emphases; 3) setting up a new line-item budget format; 4) increasing our mission budget from 5 1/2% in 1976, gradually, to 12% by 1980; 5) hiring a part-time church secretary (Charlene Diggs, a church member), was hired October, 1976. She resigned in April, 1982 and Sandra Brewer joined the church staff the following month.; 6) selling the parsonage (accomplished in 1980); 7) creating a Benevolence Fund to respond to the many requests from individuals for aid.  A special offering is received quarterly for that purpose; 8) reactivating the church council.

In 1976, our resident membership was 245 and, accordingly, the church hired a part-time Minister of Youth, Thomas Braziel.  Mr. Braziel had received a Masters of Religious Education Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and, while at Gloucester Point, also taught a Immanuel Church Christian School in Newport News.

Tom and his wife, Cathey, worked with the church youth and children for eighteen months.  Tom's love for music led him to direct a youth choir as well as to participate in our adult choir himself.

Pastor Andrew Bullock resigned at the end of 1977, to accept a call from the Stockton Memorial Baptist Church in Richmond,  Rev. Harry Hubbard served as interim pastor until August of 1978, when Dr. Paul R. Garber accepted our call to become minister of Gloucester Point Baptist Church.  Dr. Garber came to us fro Tallahassee, Florida, where he was an Assistant Professor of Religion and Humanities at Florida A & M University.  He received his Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Southeastern Seminary and his Ph.D. in Humanities and Religion from Florida State University.

In December, 1978, the church hired Elizabeth Garber, Dr. Garber's wife, as first part-time Minister of Music.  We felt very fortunate to obtain the services of a professional choirmaster, pianist and organist.  Mrs. Garber is a graduated of the School of Church Music of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Elizabeth initiated and maintained graded children's choirs, which met alternately with missions on Wednesday evening.  The Music Makers were four and five-year-olds; the Carol Choir was grades one to three; the Concord Choir was grades four to six; the Youth Choir was grades seven through twelve.  Our youth were inspired by their choir experience to attend Eagle Eyrie Baptist Music Camp every summer, two sessions, a tradition that persisted until the early 1990's.

Alice Deal, who had been Gloucester Pint Baptist's (volunteer) Chancel Choir director for the twelve years prior to Mrs. Garber, turned her love for music into a new ministry: Missions Musicians.  Initiated by Elizabeth Garber in January, 1979, the M and M senior musicians met two times a month to sing for shut-ins and at nursing homes.

Twentieth Anniversary Church Celebration was held on October 21, 1979.  In preparation, the membership conducted a neighborhood survey/census one weekend in September to encourage church involvement. 

Perhaps the largest, most far-reaching project began during this time  was Gloucester Point Baptist Church Preschool, which started in the fall of 1984, through the inspiration of Nancy Wilburn.  This Christian outreach to the community uses the church facilities, is financially self-supporting and is administered by a board of directors chosen from the church congregation.  Separate classes for three and four-year-olds meet three mornings per week.  The Preschool Director serves as liaison between church and school.  This communication has been vital when issues have arisen, such as construction of a playground, stage building and planning for new classroom space.  ********, Preschool Director from 1975-1991, relates that Paul Garber was an invaluable ally during those early years.  As the "man behind the scenes", he welcomed parents, befriended the children and worked tirelessly to make this venture a success.  Our Preschool ministry persists today and continues to provide outstanding Christian care and instruction.

This chapter would not be complete without mentioning our church Building and Grounds Committee, who have worked tirelessly through the years maintaining the new building and four acres of land.  Their tasks have included:  1) landscaping; 2) developing a ball field; 3) dealing with a finicky heating and cooling system; 4) snow removal; 5) coping with two direct lightning strikes; 6) repairs from two break-ins; 7_ Weekday Preschool needs such as storage and playground; 8) installing an intercom and phone system; 9) building a storage building and fencing the area; 10) responsibility for displaying a life-size outdoor nativity scene each December.

The Women's Missionary Union at Gloucester Point has always done a superb job of emphasizing Lottie Moon Foreign Missions Offering during Advent.  In 1980, church member JoElla Adams contributed by introducing the W.M.U. Christmas Banquet.  This has become an annual festive occasion focusing on mission giving.  JoElla also established a Christmas Card tree in 1981, with Mary Peters.  The congregation was encouraged to five one card to the entire church family and to donate money normally spent on cards and postage to the Lottie Moon Offering.  Another tradition was lighting one candle during worship for each $100 received towards the Christmas offering.

During the next nine years we expanded our vision, ministry, programs and church building.

The years 1987 and 1988 were pivotal years.  Gloucester Point Baptist Church voted to increase the budget enough to finance a second full-time minister.  Sandra Fox resigned as part-time Minister of Music in February, 1987 and the church voted to hire a full-time Minister of Music, Youth and Children.  A search committee was formed.  Tom Emory, Gloucester High School Band Director, served as Interim Chancel Choir Director and kept us singing.

Our congregation continued to work in quiet ways. Nancy Wilburn created banners each season for the sanctuary to enhance the worship experience.  Leslie Belvin initiated the "Hanging of the Greens" during Advent to beautify the church.  Leslie also introduced a large rustic cross outside on the lawn at Easter, draped in black for Good Friday, filled with flowers on Easter morning.  The W.M.U ladies crafted Chrismon ornaments, expressive Christian symbolism for the Christmas season.  This organization also remained faithful in providing mission activities for the children on Wednesday evenings.

In the Sunday School Department, Joyce Williams, Superintendent, started three new classes in October, 1988:  Preschool II (2-3-year-olds), Young Adults and Adult I.  For many years Sunday School Teacher Helena Oliver awarded an Eisenhower silver dollar to every one of her students who learned the books of the Old or New Testaments.  The Men's and Ladies' Sunday School classes honored Curtis Thomas and Minnie Rowe by naming their groups after them.  Both of these individuals, through leadership and example, have contributed in a major way to Gloucester Point Baptist Church.  Minnie is still active in the fellowship at ninety-six years of age.

Two important mission projects occurred during this time.  Nancy Wilburn conceived and established Advent Bible School in 1987--a wonderful outreach for children age four and older.  They met four evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. during November and December to learn about the real Christmas in stories and crafts.  This ministry continues today.

Pastor Garber participated in a fifteen-day partnership mission trip to Tanzania, Africa, during the spring of 1988.  The Baptist General Association of Virginia sent three ministers; our membership donated $1,900 for Dr. Garber's travel expenses.  Paul traveled with an African minister as interpreter to two villages.  He preached and baptized.

On September 4, 1988, Gloucester Point Baptist Church called the Rev. Richard W. Shaw to become its Minister of Music, Youth and Children.  Rev. Shaw came to us from Texas, where he had just received his Master of Music Degree from Southwestern Baptist Seminary.  His family included his wife, Martha, with a degree in elementary education, and baby James.  They soon had an addition to their family, Faith.

Mr. Shaw's energy knew no bounds in the seven years he was with us.  That first autumn he scheduled children's activities on Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.--music and missions.  Our church adults worked with the youngsters.  The youth met on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Rick reorganized Missions Musicians into the Senior Sounds.

Rick Shaw introduced many events that served to reach out into the community, as well as to keep our young people involved.  Our first "Hallelujah Party" for children was held on October 31, 1988, to provide an alternative to Halloween, with games and food and prizes.  The first Youth Valentine's Banquet was held on February 11, 1989.  The teens were "transported" to Hawaii.  Subsequent years took them to Greece, France, Italy, England and China with Mary Peter's awesome decorations and Youth Support committee catering.  A Children's Valentine's Party joined the roster of annual events in 1990.

Easter Bible School began in 1989 and patterned itself after Advent Bible School.  Another outreach effort took place in early September:  a "Back-to-School-and-Church, Music and Missions" Carnival for the children.  This outdoor event featured clowns, games and plenty of food!  This proved to be so popular with the community that eighty-one participated the following year.

Rick Shaw loved National Independence Day.  So every year our Chancel Choir caught his enthusiasm and prepared a Patriotic Musical to sing early in July.

The Shaws truly had a heart for missions.  Rick coordinated a Youth Mission Trip every summer.  The teens raised money with car washes, bake sales, yard sales, and later, "rent-a-teen" opportunities and a Youth Dinner Theatre.  All participants trained to lead Bible Day Camps first in Surry County, Virginia, 1989: Norwalk, Connecticut, 1991-1992; Mexico City, 1993; Roanoke, Virginia, 1994; and Emporium and Driftwood, Pennsylvania, 1995.  Those last two summers our youth also conducted week-long Backyard Bible Schools at Seabreeze Mobile Home Park in Gloucester County.

With so much happening, it was imperative to keep the lines of communication open.  Mr. Shaw wrote "Children's Ministry News" and enclosed it in the monthly "Vision" newsletter.

Gloucester Point Baptist's Advent Devotional Booklet made its debut in November, 1990.  Rick Shaw was editor and various church members contributed stories and poetry for personal and family worship.  A publication has since become a Christmas tradition and outreach project.

It is easy to see that we were bursting at the seams with young people in Sunday School, church Preschool and on Wednesday evenings.  The church hired Ivy and Wall architectural firm to design new educational space; a New Building Finance Committee was chosen, all in 1990.

In February, 1991, the membership voted to build an educational wing and to enlarge the sanctuary building, to install gutters, to pave the parking lot, and to insulate the north wall--all for $460,000.  Church offerings decreased that year and regretfully this project was postponed.

Good things were happening nevertheless.  The building was filled with young people of all ages.  Vacation Bible School continued high enrollments of one-hundred fifty to one-hundred eighty.  The church began working with Habitat for Humanity projects.  We raised over $1,000 with our annual CROP fasts.  Our heart for missions was showing!

In 1991, the Church Council conceived "Autumn Fellowship Festival" held on the church ground as a outreach to the neighborhood.  Entertainment (chiefly music), crafts displays and antique car shows and food created good memories.  This event was held annually for four years.

The early 1990's were exciting ones for our Woman's Missionary Union.  The Acteens program was reborn with Lyn Whitt as leader.  Hard work resulted in a Coronation Service for eight teen-age girls on August 1, 1993.  During this time the boys of the church were involved in Royal Ambassadors, a program first undertaken by Harry and Dianne Danforth in the old church.  Circles have always been an important aspect of our W.M.U.  In 1992, a new Baptist Young Women's Circle came to be through the efforts of Martha Shaw and others.  These young mothers reached out in new ways.  One summer they ran a Vacation Bible School at Powhatan Apartments in Wicomico.

Dr. Paul R. Garber retired as Pastor of Gloucester Point Baptist Church in 1993, after a ministry of fifteen years with us.  This was nine years longer than any other minister served in our church, and the congregation honored him accordingly with a surprise service and reception on August 29.  Special gifts included an anthem composed by Rev. Richard Shaw and sung by the Chancel Choir, a large serving tray and a check for a vacation voyage from church members and friends.  The Garbers chose to take a train trip through the western states and remained residents of Snug Harbor, Bena.  Elizabeth continued teaching chorus at Page Middle School.  Gloucester Point Baptist Church has since conferred on Paul the honor of Pastor Emeritus.

Rick Shaw summed up Pastor Garber's impact with these words:  "Our lives are different because we have known you.  You have shown us truly who Jesus Christ is and what he is like.  You have demonstrated faith at its utmost, compassion at its deepest and worship at its highest".

Dr. Jack B. Wilder served as Interim Pastor for Gloucester Point Baptist during the fall months of 1993, until the church called the Rev. J. Michael Wilkins to be its new pastor.   Rev. Wilkins received his Master of Divinity Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and came to us from  Elizabeth River Church in Chesapeake, where he had pastored since 1984.  Mr. Wilkins preached his first sermon at Gloucester Point on December 5, 1993, and his wife, Lucy, and children, Brian (eleven years), Ben (nine years) and Beth (seven years0, moved here over the Christmas holidays.

The years 1994 and 1995 were exciting years for Gloucester Point Baptist Church.  Our new pastor and deacons moved us toward expanding the building.  In the spring, the New Building Finance committee circulated a letter to the membership to determine if there was sufficient interest and money to move ahead.  A package was proposed:  1) build the educational wing; 2) pave the parking lots; 3) insulate the north wall of the existing building; 4) cover all cornice work to reduce upkeep.  This committee suggested that interest-bearing notes be offered to help finance the project.  In January, 1995 this committee came to the church recommending that we accept a bid from Carmine Builders of #336,000 for our construction.  The church voted to go ahead; notes were purchased and a bank loan was secured.  The ground-breaking ceremony took place on April 2, 1995.

A second significant action occurred in October, 1994.  Gloucester Point Baptist Church elected and ordained its first women deacons:  Dorothy (Dot) Barkley, Linda Mitchell and Martha Ann Shaw.  This had always been a possibility under our Church Constitution but is unusual with conservative Baptist tradition.  In the early years our church chose its deacons at the annual election of officers.  The Board of Deacons would submit nominations to the Nominating Committee.  In 1983, the Constitution was amended to allow greater congregational participation in the selection process.  Now every church member has the opportunity to nominate deacons annually by written ballot.  Men and women have served together on our Board of Deacons since 1994.

Gloucester Point Baptist Church made another significant change in October of 1994, by changing the format of its radio program.  Instead of broadcasting the Morning Worship Service on the AM band, the church agreed to a recommendation by Pastor Mike Wilkins to develop a completely new program.  "An Encouraging Word", a show designed to communicate with young adults who were not in church, was the result.  This program combines adult contemporary rock music, humor, insights on living life today with a Christian perspective.  Broadcast on WXGM, 99.1 FM, it allows the church to reach a larger potential listening audience with the Good News of Jesus Christ than ever before.  "An Encouraging Word" continues the church's long tradition of utilizing the radio to communicate them.  In fact, Gloucester Point Baptist Church has the distinction of having the longest, continually-running program on the radio station.

Rick Shaw mounted a campaign to replace our sanctuary hymnals.  Two-hundred four books were purchased with donations, and a Dedication Service was held on October 23, 1994, at 3:00 p.m.  This new Baptist Hymnal, published first in 1991, is an inspiring blend of the contemporary and the traditional.  The membership has especially enjoyed learning the praise choruses.

All of our children's programs continued to flourish.  Martha Shaw was now director and teacher in the Weekday Preschool.  Wednesday night activities were prospering; approximately fifty youngsters were registered in music and mission classes.  Twenty teens were involved in youth activities.  The Shaws hosted a new "Youth Experiencing God" course in their home as well as the "Masterlife Program" for adults.

A Ladies' Prayer Group was begun by Cheryl Harding in 1995.  It met every Thursday morning in a Sunday School classroom.  The prayer group persevered as a complement to Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting.  Today it welcomes men also and meets in the church.

Our church persisted in its longstanding tradition of encouraging the community to use our facilities.  VIMS practiced soccer in our back field.  Alcoholics Anonymous has been meeting on Friday evenings at the church since 1990.  Junior Girl Scout Troop #1072 chose Gloucester Point Baptist for its meeting place from 1995-1998.

While masons laid block and brick, and roof trusses went up on our church's new educational building, Rick and Martha Shaw were making important decisions regarding their future.  They decided to step out in faith, to answer God's call to become foreign missionaries to the Albanian people.  Rick resigned as our Minister of Music, Youth and Children, effective August 31, 1995.  September was spent saying goodbye to relatives; then the family headed to Tirana, capital of Albania, for a year of language and Baptist Fellowship.  Macedonia was their final destination, where they worked with the 700,000 Albanian immigrants.

As the Shaw's home church, Gloucester Point Baptist fellowship was thrilled to be involved in this mission endeavor.  We certainly would miss them terribly.  Pastor Mike put it this way:  "Rick is one of the most gifted people I've ever met, and he has used his energy and talents to share the love of Jesus Christ.  He has made an impression on these young people that they will never forget, and our church will never be the same".

With Rick's resignation the church hired Lucy Rex Wilkins, Rev. Wilkins's wife, to be interim part-time music director.  She came to us with strong credentials:  she received her Masters in Church Music from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  How fortunate Gloucester Point Baptist has been to have not one, not two, but three musical directors trained not only in music but in Christian music and doctrine.  Our graded choirs presenting numerous cantatas and musical dramas, plus instrumental performances (small ensembles, solos and praise band), bear witness to this expert leadership over the years.

We also need to express appreciation for the dedicated instrumentalists who have served Gloucester Point Baptist over the years.  Martha Ann Simmons, Joan Fosque and Donna Green were pianists in the early church.  Julia Conner was our first organist, followed by Charlene Diggs, and then Elizabeth Garber.  Elizabeth Bynum was assistant organist for many years.  Pianists in the new church building have included Lee Bullock, Sarah Starkey, Mary Fary and Sally Fisher.  Our current musicians are organist Barbara Stevens and pianist Loretta Jackson.

Our new church educational building was completed in October.  The 4,800 square-foot wing included five classrooms, three of which were large preschool rooms, three bathrooms, a modern designer kitchen and a large fellowship hall.   After a sumptuous dinner had been served to the membership in the new Fellowship Hall a Dedication Service was held on November 5, 1995, at 2:00 p.m.  This was an occasion of great rejoicing--celebration of expanded horizons.   

Much that has happened in these recent years has been a result of  the church taking a focused look at its purpose.  Gloucester Point has come to view its calling to center around two verses of scripture, the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and the Great Commandment (Mark 12:29-31).  As Rick Warren has said, "A great commitment to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment will produce a great church".  The church has increasingly seen as its mission to "go and make disciples", while at the same time continuing to love the Lord, and our neighbors.

Gloucester Point's emphasis on missions began a new chapter in the summer of 1997, when the church began participating in the "Impact Virginia" summer missions program.  That year the church sent a team of adults and youth to Fredericksburg to help in repairing and modifying homes of the poor and to the participants that that this has now become the focus of the church's summer mission efforts.  Teams of adults and youth from the church have participated in the Impacts held in Bluefield for 1998 and 1999.  Planning for a team from the church to be involved in an Impact project for 2000 is already underway.

The year 1997 also saw the addition of a new ministry in our church with the creation of a Drama Team.  Under the leadership of Frank Mummert, this ministry has proven to be an effective and creative outreach to our community.  The Christmas productions, such as, "I'll Be Home for Christmas", in 1997 and "Scrooge Revisited", in 1998, which combine the talents of the music and drama ministries, have been particularly inspiring and added greatly to our worship during the Christmas season.  Complementing these productions was the purchase of a new sound system and theater-style lighting.  The sound booth was moved into the sanctuary at this time.

In the summer of 1998, the church joined with other Virginia Baptist churches in a long-term disciple making training process.  This three-year effort provides churches training and coaching in how to encourage people to become growing, and reproducing, disciples of Jesus Christ.  This intentional, systematic disciple making process challenges the church to view discipleship not as simply another program among many in the life in the church, but rather as the central thrust of a church's ministry, with everything else the church does flowing from this discipleship core.  In the spring of 1999, a model small group, led by Pastor Mike Wilkins, was started to begin training leaders for future disciple making small groups that the church plans to offer in the near future.  This exciting disciple making effort offers our church the process it needs to consistently introduce people to Jesus Christ, help them grow as believers, and train them to be leaders in the church for years to come.

In March of 1999, the church voted to purchase a Yamaha Grand Piano for $8,000 to enhance our music ministry, enrich our worship of God, and enable us to better reach out to our community for Christ.

All that has been written about these past forty years can only serve as an introductory glimpse into how God has blessed and used this congregation of his followers known as the Gloucester Point Baptist Church.

As we enter the twenty-first century, Gloucester Point Baptist Church will encounter many challenges as it continues to provide a vital Christian witness in the midst of rapidly changing times.  May we, and those who come after us, learn our lessons well from those who have come before us, and resolve to keep our eyes focused clearly on our Lord Jesus Christ, who "is the same, yesterday, today and forever". (Hebrews 13:9)  As long as we have the faith to follow wherever he leads us, we have nothing to fear from what the future holds.  "...I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus". (Philippians 1:3-6)

This history was compiled by our church historian

with contributions of

stories, memories and facts

by members of the congregation