First Baptist Church

A Historically Black Church Rich in History…

 

Introduction

Lord, we’ve come a long way. We’ve fallen a few times but because of your grace mercy we had the courage and strength to get back up. Our history is rich, our ancestors proud and determined to leave us a legacy would be proud to carry on. It has been the will and determination of our ancestors that has allowed us to grow and become the church we are today. We respectfully embrace the foundations laid by our Pastors, Church Leaders and congregations of yesteryears and it with heartfelt gratitude we share our church history.

 

Our History

Having the desire to change the current meeting place of the congregation, the idea for the First Baptist Church of Mappsville was formed in 1877 by George Johnson, Frank Lewis, Isaiah Watson, Henry Watson, James Cluff and Peter Davis who would later serve as the first trustees of the church. They then had a mere 20 members along with a determined spirit to build a Baptist church in the Northern section of Accomack County, Virginia.

In 1870 under the leadership of Reverend A.J. Satchell the First Baptist Church of Mappsville was no longer a dream but a Christian born reality. Reverend Satchell served as the church’s first pastor until his death and Reverends Salter and Parham became his predecessors.

Church history dictates that in the early 1900s Dr. John Collins became the pastor of First Baptist Church of Mappsville. Dr. Collins had a vibrant interest education and missionary work. First Baptist Church of Mappsville reached its highest potential in foreign missionary work under his guidance. His philosophy to help others is still adhered to today and continues to be a vital function of the church. Dr. Collins served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Mappsville for 18 years. He was greatly admired by all who knew him.

Before seeking a sixth pastor for the church the governing board decided it would be in the best interest of the church to purchase a parsonage for its pastors and their families to reside. The cost of this project would be $2,000. This was a great sum of money during these times but nonetheless a worthwhile project that the Lord blessed the congregation to achieve.

In August 1924 First Baptist Church of Mappsville was lead in worship by Dr. M.T. Boone who served as pastor for 37 years. Dr. Boone a dedicated servant of the Lord continued the church’s work in foreign missions and worked diligently in the church until his resignation.

June 1961 brought Reverend A.A. Cash to First Baptist Church of Mappsville who was instrumental in establishing the Pastor’s Aid and Willing Workers organizations within the church. Reverend Cash departed the church in 1965 and the search for his replacement was placed in the hands of the Deacons Bennie Downing, Will Nock and John T. Davis. In their desire to broaden their search they contacted the Executive Secretary of the Baptist General Convention, Dr. C.L. Evans who sent the Reverend Cornell Herron to assume duties as pastor. Reverend Herron became pastor in September 1965. Sadly tragedy struck as Reverend Herron was killed while vacationing with his wife and friends.

In 1970 the Reverend Dehaven Vaughn came to First Baptist Church of Mappsville. It was under his leadership that our radio ministry was established. The radio ministry was broadcast every Sunday morning prior to church services on WESR. It was a great way for Reverend Vaughn to minister to homebound parishoners and/or anyone who wanted to hear the words of God. Reverend Vaughn served a pastor for 9 years resigning in 1979.

1980 brought the Reverend Lewis T. Brim to First Baptist Church of Mappsville and under his leadership the church continued to grow spiritually and financially. Foreign and domestic mission work continued and the first church bus was purchased. The bus provided much needed transportation for rural church members. A Ways and Means committee was organized and the Board of Christian Education was established. The church was blessed under Reverend Brim’s leadership; he touched many lives and converted many to the Christian discipleship. Reverend Brim resigned January 1982.

 

Our Present

In August 1984 Reverend James Israel Boyd came to lead First Baptist Church of Mappsville. Reverend Boyd was determined in his desire to lead the church down new and innovative pathways. He has helped the church grow spiritually and financially.

Reverend Boyd, modest, humble and living in spirit has always had a great love for people and fellowship. He is a man of God and has helped his parishioners learn to appreciate and believe that all things are possible through Christ. He often chimes in with his familiar phrase “First Baptist Church, the church where everybody is somebody”.

Reverend Boyd has worked tirelessly to bring about positive change and to establish First Baptist as one of the most influential and largest historically Black churches on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Some of the church’s accomplishments under his leadership include but are not limited to the establishment of 5 choirs, the installation of 6 Associate Ministers, 2 affiliated singing groups, Youth Mentoring and Bible Study, Adult Bible Study, 25 clubs, Missionaries and Auxiliaries and the purchase of 2 new church vans.

Reverend Boyd would never take credit for accomplishing all of these activities singlehandedly; instead he gives credit to a congregation eager and willing to do the will of God.

Reverend Boyd’s visions for future endeavors for the church include a new church fellowship hall or the building of a new church.

Yes, we’ve come a mighty long way and with God’s Grace we will continue to be blessed.