Our History
Cedar's History
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20. Believing God’s promises, a few devout Christians gathered in a group of cedar trees to worship in 1840. These people worshipped weekly among the group of cedars which earned them the name “Cedar Church”. In this grove of cedar trees, on November 25, 1855, Cedar Baptist Church was organized with 14 members.
The land on which our church stands was donated by Richard Thornton. Baptisms at the time were held at the Red Mill pond not far from the church. The first pastor of Cedar Church was Elder John Spencer, who served from 1855 - 1871.
In 1861 members purchased an additional two acres. And again in 1934 another two acres were purchased for a cemetery.
In 1947, a new church building was discussed and in 1948, a Builder’s Club was organized to help raise funds for the new church building. A penny collection was also started and collected each Sunday which even encouraged the children to participate in the fundraising. By doing this all members participated in the building of the new church.
On July 1, 1951 a special all-day service was held for the groundbreaking of the new building, and in the same month, the building construction was started by Mr. B. G. Ransom of Enonville, Virginia. On November 2, 1952, the newly constructed church building was dedicated.
In 1984 a pavilion was built to provide shelter for outdoor activities. Homecoming lunch was served there the first Sunday in August.
In November 1987, a Parsonage Committee was formed and authorized to pursue plans for building a parsonage. In the summer of 1988, Country Living Construction was awarded the contract to build the parsonage. Groundbreaking was held on August 21, 1988 and on March 4, 1989, the parsonage was completed.
In 1992, the vision for a new social hall began, and in 1995, the plans for the building were finalized. G. N. Christian and Sons, Inc. were selected for the construction. The vision was completed on December 27, 1998.
