The Beginning
On April 28, 1965, at 8:45 pm, in the presence of 59 believers, a business meeting was called to order. After praying for guidance, leadership, and submission to God’s will, these Christians, assembled in a garage, voted to form a local church for the glory of God. They chose to be known as Faith Baptist Church.
The Buildings
From our humble beginnings in that garage, we rented a larger meeting place at an old campground on Route 10 for three months. We then moved to 10 Laurel Parkway in Colonial Heights. Finally, on April 10, 1968, the church financed our current two-acre property at 1226 West Roslyn Road.
1965
April 28, 1965
Church Founded
59 believers assembled in a small garage in Colonial Heights to establish Faith Baptist Church as an independent, fundamental Baptist ministry. In a humble garage in Colonial Heights, 59 believers gathered with a shared vision. After a period of prayer and seeking God’s will, they formally voted to establish Faith Baptist Church. This marked the official beginning of our independent, fundamental Baptist ministry, dedicated to the glory of God and the preaching of His Word.
1965
July 14, 1965
First Teachers
First 14 Sunday School teachers were appointed, marking the beginning of our educational ministry that continues to this day. Recognizing the importance of Christian education from the very start, the young church appointed its first 14 Sunday School teachers. This foundational step launched our ongoing commitment to teaching the Scriptures to all ages, a ministry that continues to bless our church family today.
1966
June 1966
First Pastor
Johnny McAlexander began his ministry as our first full-time pastor, leading the young congregation with vision and dedication. He helped to establish key ministries and guide the church’s early growth.
1966
July 1966
Bus Ministry Begins
Purchased our first bus to bring children and families to church, reaching out to the community in a practical way. With a heart for outreach, the church purchased its first bus, a 1947 Ford, for $150. This initiated our bus ministry, a vital tool for bringing children and families to hear the Gospel and participate in church life, a ministry that continues to serve our community.
1967
October 17, 1967
Second Pastor
Jimmy Lee Busby became our second pastor, continuing to build upon the foundation that had been established. He faithfully served the congregation for 23 years, building upon the foundation that had been established and leading the church through significant periods of growth and ministry development.
1968
April 10, 1968
Current Property
Church financed our current property at 1226 W. Roslyn Road, which has been our home for over five decades. A significant milestone was reached when the church financed and acquired our current two-acre property. This location has been our cherished church home, providing a stable place for worship, fellowship, and ministry to the Colonial Heights community.
1990
November 4, 1990
Third Pastor
Bruce and Donna Barton began their ministry at Faith Baptist Church, serving faithfully for four years. Pastor Barton contributed to the spiritual life and leadership of the congregation during his tenure.
1995
February 5, 1995
Current Pastor
Gene and Mary Ballance called to serve as our pastor, beginning what has become more than 28 years of faithful leadership. Under their guidance, the church has continued to grow in its commitment to God’s Word and outreach to the community.
Our Church Leaders Through the Years
Our church has been blessed with dedicated pastoral leadership throughout our history. Each pastor has built upon the foundation laid by those who came before, maintaining our commitment to biblical truth and discipleship.
- Johnny McAlexander served as our first official pastor from June 1966 for a little over a year.
- On October 17, 1967, the church voted to accept Jimmy Lee Busby as their second pastor; he served faithfully for 23 years.
- Bruce and Donna Barton came to serve on November 4, 1990. He served as pastor until August 1994.
- On February 5, 1995, the church called Gene and Mary Ballance as pastor and wife. They continue to serve the Lord here at the present time.
Our Vision and Mission
From the beginning, our heart has been to reach our community—and the world—with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- July 14, 1965: We elected our first 14 Sunday School Outreach Army teachers.
- July 1966: Purchased our first bus, a 1947 Ford, for $150. Our Bus Ministry is still operating today!
- Just weeks after our founding, we voted to give 25% of our offerings toward World Missions, later adopting the Faith Promise Missions Program.
Over the past 60+ years, God has used us to give millions of dollars to missionaries around the world, and we’ve recorded well over 75,000 precious souls saved through our missions ministries.
Our Legacy and Future
Our church family has been used by God to help start three other like-minded churches. Several of our leaders and assistant pastors have been called from here to pastor churches of their own or serve as missionaries.
Many other faithful servants have served in various ministries over these 60+ years: deacons, trustees, song leaders, pianists, teachers, treasurers, bus mechanics and drivers, nursery workers, and helpers. They have maintained our buildings, taught our children, and contributed countless hours to further God’s work. Much of the construction and upkeep was completed by these dedicated individuals.
To all who have gone before us, we offer a sincere “Thank You”:
- Thank you for the legacy you have handed to us.
- Thank you for your devotion and sacrifice.
- Thank you for taking a fundamental stand and being faithful, allowing God to build and maintain a solid, independent Baptist church that still stands today, unashamedly on the Word of God (KJV) as a “lighthouse” for sinners in need of a Savior.
To all the past and present family of Faith Baptist Church, we give thanks. To God, who built this church and remains our Cornerstone and Foundation, we give all the glory!
Our desire is to hand down a fundamental, independent, Bible-believing, missions-minded Baptist church to our children and grandchildren, just as it was handed down to us.
“To God be the glory, great things He hath done.”
