Sand Fork Baptist Church
Our History
| Five men and ten women met on May 10, 1879 to form a
Baptist Church at the mouth of Ellis Fork of Sand Fork Creek in Gilmer County, West
Virginia. The church was originally named Harmony Baptist, but that name was changed
to Sand Fork Baptist during the 1950's due to confusion with other churches of the same
name. In 1880 the group entered into an agreement with an M.E. congregation to jointly construct and use a church building. Each group used the building on one weekend per month. In 1905 the group of Baptist worshippers moved their place of service to the Sand Fork School. On January 17, 1906, a committee met to consider the construction of a church building in Sand Fork. The new building was dedicated on November 26, 1906. The little white church on the hill at Sand Fork continued to house the congregation until 1990, although changes in the structure were made over the years. In 1938, the building was raised, underpinned, and electric lights were installed. In 1939, a gas stove was installed. 1944 saw the concrete walks and steps constructed. During the 1950's, improvements included the addition of classrooms at the back of the church, building a block basement, and drilling a water well. In 1982, a shingle roof and vinyl siding were added to the church. The needs of an increasing congregation prompted a building committee to be formed in 1987. After much consideration this group recommended that a new facility be constructed across the street on the parking area. The first worship service in the new brick building was held Easter Sunday, April 15, 1990. Since that time the church has acquired additional property for parking, has constructed an outdoor worship area, and in 1997, the former Sebert and Clara Lucas home was purchased and renovated to be used as a parsonage. The Lord continues to bless our fellowship. |
SFBC
1906-1990
Drawing by June Perrin
Home