History

THE HERITAGE OF CLAYBROOK BAPTIST CHURCH

 

During the years 1895 and 1900, most likely 1897, a small group of Baptist who lived in Weems, decided to start a Baptist Prayer Meeting. Most of the founders had moved to Weems from Irvington, and present at the first meeting were: C.L. March, George Packett, Henry Crittendon, E.A. Ashburn, Lemuel Ashburn, Joseph Kellum, S.B. Haydon, Sr., Robert L. Bryant, W.T. Gaines, B.G. Doggett, L.E. Ashburn, Sr., J. Robert Sadler, and Allen Ashburn.  This first meeting was held in the Weems Schoolhouse, but because of opposition,

further meetings were held in the home of Robert. L. Bryant. Rev. Frederick W. Claybrook, the pastor of Irvington Baptist Church, assisted in organizing a Sunday School, with the first director being Allen Ashburn. As attendance increased it became evident that a public building was needed. The group moved into a house on the property of Captain B.G. Doggett; later sold to Warren Brown.

1900 - A frame church building was constructed on land donated by Mr. Elzie Currell. Sunday School was held in the morning and people crossed Carter's Creek to worship in Irvington in the afternoom.

1912 - February 25, Claybrook (originally known as Weems Chapel) was constituted a church, on the field with Irvington Baptist, with a membership of 99. Rev. Claybrook helped organize our first Baptist Young People Union (BYPU); this also being the first BYPU in Lancaster County. Rev. Claybrook continued to serve until forced by failing health to lay down the heavy burden he had faithfully carried so   long.

1912 - Rev. Harry J. Goodwin came to serve. Rev. Goodwin is credited with establishing the first Women's Missionary Union (WMU).

1915 - November, Rev. E.L. Hardcastle came to serve, and served faithfully until 1920, accomplishing much good and leaving sorrow at his departure.

1920 - Rev. A.E. Estall, a former missionary to Africa came to serve. He helped to further organize the BYPU group, composed entirely of men of all ages. The Memorial Tablet displayed in our vestibule today was given by this group.

1930 - October, Rev. Joseph H. Crosby came to serve. He worked with the choir and conveniently arranged the choir room. During this time, Mrs. Clifford Currell served as pianist at the same time she was pianist at Irvington Baptist.  Her tireless efforts were most appreciated.

1935 - April, Dr. Reuben E. Allen came to serve. This being the Depression Years, not much change was attempted.  Dr. Allen left in June 1937 to become the editor of The Religious Herald.

1938 - April, Rev. R. Clayton Pitts came to serve. During his tenure, the annex to the frame church was accomplished with the addition of ten (10) classrooms and a kitchen. The first Vacation Bible School was also held under Rev. Pitts' direction.

1942 - Rev. J. Leslie Hart came to serve.  He succeeded in paying off the note on the church annex.

1946 - Rev. & Mrs. W. W. Wright were called to serve. Dear to their hearts was Vacation Bible School. Sorrow befell Rev.Wright on June 12, 1953 when his wife was taken from him in a automobile accident.  Rev. Wright continued to serve for a few more years, later marrying Camille Meekins, who also served.  1949 - February 08, a motion was made to start a building fund; it was further decided that this new building should be of brick construction.

1950 - while raising money for the new church, a "Golden Anniversary Home-Coming Day" was held to celebrate the first baptist church in Weems.

 

1953- September, Clifford and Emory Currell donated a building lot for the construction of a new church. The construction contract was awarded to J.A. Lawson.

 

 

 

1954 -May 23, the cornerstone was laid for the new brick church.

1955 - January 30, a cold, snowy day, the first worship service was held in the new brick church amid much joy, fulfillment and praise.

1955 - During Rev. Wright's tenure, the church had the joy of licensing one of our own young men, Brother Gordon D. George, Jr. to preach.

1957 - Rev. Richard t. Bray, Jr. was called to serve. Rev. Bray is credited with many accomplishments, including liquidating the church indebtedness and the beginning of a Pastorium Building Fund. The pastorium is built on land formerly owned by Warren Brown.

1959 - total church membership was recorded to be 367. 1959-1961 - the new pastorium was constructed.

1961 - April 01, Rev. Bray came to Claybrook as full-time Pastor. It was determined by Claybrook that we were capable of the financial responsibilities of a full-time pastor and being a stand-alone church. This change of being seperated from Irvington Baptist was accomplished to the mutual satisfaction of all.

1968 - November 03, Rev. Frank Riley was called to serve. During his tenure, the church continued to prosper. With a generous gift from Mr. & Mrs. Howard Jenkins, improvements were made to the church. 1972 - a 60th Anniversary celebration was celebrated, with twenty (20) charter members of the church still with us.

1975 - as more space was needed, plans were formulated and approved to construct an annex to the present building.

1977 - Rev. William B. Hardison was called to serve.

1979 - May 20, the dedication service for the completed annex building was held.

1981 - Rev. Phillip W. Bailey was called to serve. In addition to his ministry, Rev. Bailey organized the "Children's Bible Drill", from which many of the children of the church have received awards and acknowedgments in Richmond competitions for excelling in knowledge of the Bible. During this time, Mrs. Frances Manchester graciously donated the beautiful Stain Glass Window in our Baptistry that we enjoy today. Mr.Edgar Brown also donated the melodious chimes that we enjoyed for years. Rev. Bailey left on Sept. 02, 1987, but returned on Sept. 20, 1987 to preside over our 75th Anniversary Celebration.

1988 - Rev. Mitchell C. Luckie was called to serve.

1990 - The Fellowship Hall was renamed "The Chatham Preston Bussells Hall" in honor of Preston's leadership and dedication.

1990 - Sept. 30, the Note Burning and Rededication Service was held for Bussells Hall.

1998 - Rev. John W. Carter was called to serve. Rev. Carter was a former missionary to Africa. Together with his wife Bonnie, he was active in youth activities.

2001 - Mrs. Lottie Lumpkin, the last charter member of our church, went to be with the   Lord.

2001 - plans were put in motion and work commenced on a renovation program. This work included new roofing, steeple repairs, new windows, painting, and addition of an accessible ramp, among other repairs and updates.

2001 - an honorary membership was conveyed to Rev. Herbert Hall. Although a Methodist minister, Rev. Hall has always been dear to the membership of Claybrook, he has served our church with love and respect, and, together with his departed wife, Roberta, will always be a valued part of the Claybrook Family.

2005 - Sept, Rev. Stephen Turner was called to serve.  He served this church until Health issues forced his retirement in 2013.  Rev. Turner fought a courageous battle until he was called to his Heavenly Home in June of 2017.

2008 - It was decided to try to create a place to exhibit the original Church Bell that was removed from the existing steeple during renovations. A committee was formed to design and construct a structure. This was accomplished and the bell is displayed in a structure at the side entrance.

2010 - It was decided that an enclosure was needed to enclose the breezeway between Bussell's Hall and the Sanctuary Building.  This was accomplished and the enclosure is completed.

Our History would not be complete without giving thanks and praise to our Interim Pastors. They include: Rev. H.B. Jennings, also elected Associate Pastor,

Rev. J. Evans Balderson, serving twice,

Rev. V.R. Wheeler, serving twice, Rev. Wallace Tucker,

Rev. Daniel Mochamps,

Rev. Bill Burruss, and

Rev. Dennis Martin; each in their own way helping Claybrook Baptist Church to be what it is today.

 

GOD HAS TRULY BLESSED US IN THE PAST, IN THE PRESENT AND WE PRAY FOR HIS CONTINUED BLESSINGS, LOVE AND GUIDANCE IN THE FUTURE.

 

                PASTORS THAT HAVE SERVED CLAYBROOK:

                 Frederick W. Claybrook         (1897 – 1912)

                 Harry J. Goodwin                   (1912 – 1915)

                 E. L. Hardcastle                      (1915 – 1920)

                 A. E. Estall                              (1920 – 1929)

                 Joseph Cosby                          (1930 – 1935)

                 Reuben E. Alley                      (1935 – 1937)

                 R. Clayton Pitts                       (1938 – 1942)

                 J. Leslie Hart                           (1942 – 1946)

                 William W. Wright                 (1946 – 1956)

                 Richard T. Bray, Jr.                (1957 – 1967)

                 Frank C. Riley, Jr.                   (1967 – 1977)

                 William B. Hardison, Jr.         (1977 – 1991)

                 Phillip W. Bailey                    (1981 – 1987)

                 Mitchell C. Luckie                  (1988 – 1991)

                 David J. Jones                         (1992 – 1997)

                 John W. Carter                        (1998 – 2003)

                 Stephen Turner                        (2005 – 2013)

                 Bill Burruss                             (2013 - 2017)                         

                 Dennis Martin                         (2017 - Present)