| 
 |
|
History of Ridgeview Baptist Church
Ridgeview Baptist Church began with a prayer meeting in the home of Mr. Jack Johnson in December 1928, with Rev. James Lyle holding the meeting and Mr. Wallace McClain helping. In January of 1929 the members held a revival and the crowds grew, so they moved into a small building (formerly used as a chicken house) on Murray Rd. that was owned by Mr. Oliver. It was agreed that if they could get 17 members, a church would be organized. The 17 charter members were: Rev. & Mrs. James Lyle, Mr & Mrs. Henry Cooper, Mr. & Mrs. Luther Strange, Mr. Granville Hatcher, Rev. & Mrs. Luther Dickens, Mr & Mrs. Clifford Johnson, Mrs. Hattie Hatcher, Millard Keck, Tom Anderson, and Mrs. Kennedy.
The church actually was organized on May 5, 1929. Mrs. Luther May donated 1 acre of land for the church building on the promise that it would always be a Missionary Baptist Church. The 1 room building (28'x30') was started on the 1st of March 1929 and was constructed by Albert Murray and Sons. It was completed with the 1st services being held on the 1st Sunday in May 1929 with Rev. James Lyle as the pastor, and there were approximately 50 people present. After the services, there was dinner on the ground with singing in the afternoon. Homecoming has since been observed annually on the 1st Sunday in May.
Ground was broken on April 5, 1941 for the 2nd building while Rev. John Gray was pastor. It was completed with the 1st services being held on June 22, 1941.
The present building (96' length, 46' width and 16' height) was erected in 1960 with the 1st services being held on September 18, 1960, while Rev. George Gilbert was pastor. Church services were held at Norwood School until the building was completed.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the educational building addition was held on May 11, 1974, under the pastorate of Rev. Edwin L. Cloud. The building was completed in May 1975. The parking area was expanded and areas in the existing building were remodeled. The parking area was paved in October 1976.
On April 14, 1991, groundbreaking was held for the Family Life Center building. The dedication was held on October 6, 1991. The gym area was remodeled and the Worship Center was moved into the gym area in Febuary 2009.
Former pastors of Ridgeview Church are: Rev. Jame Lyle (2yrs), Rev. Toby Morton (few months), Rev. Audd Cox (6 months), Rev. B.H. Bean (4 1/2yrs), Rev. J.H. Gray (3 1/2yrs.),Rev. B.H. Bean (few months), Rev. Mancel Smith (2yrs), Rev. Frank Clifford (2yrs.), Rev. Bruce Dozier (1yr.), Rev. James Lyle (6yrs.), Rev. George Gilbert (12yrs.), Rev. Jimmy L. McCarter (4yrs.),Rev. Hayden Wright (19 months), Rev. Edwin L. Cloud (5yrs.), Rev. Jerry Taylor (13yrs.), Rev. David Hanes (5yrs.), Rev. Bill Winters (1yr.), Rev. Maston Jackson (1999 to the present).
 |
