In the year of nineteen hundred and fourteen, a period of one hundred years, a small group of Christians came together to establish the First Baptist Church of McKenney, Virginia.

Among the stalwarts who founded the church was Robert Fitzgerald, Mamie Fitzgerald, Captain CM. Stanley, Willie Pelham, Bessie Pelham, Everett Fields, James Fisher, Sally Fisher, Lucy Fisher, Baker Hobbs, Lou Hobbs, Ben Fitzgerald, Roberta Dudley, Alice Hardy, Woodson Marks, Pennie Marks, Gertrude Malone, Mary Anderson, Sarah Bland, Ben Lundy, Rebecca Lundy, Aaron Batts, Dixie Lynch, Gus Lynch and Zaten Hobbs. The majority of these members came out of Big Bethel Baptist Church.

In the beginning, services were held in an old dwelling called a “Bush Harbor” (a structure made with pieces of wood and tree branches), which was located behind the present church site. Baptism was held in a creek behind the church near Route 40 until an outside pool was built in 1996, which still stands today.

Services were held each Sunday by Dr. Whale until the members decided that with the cost of the building a new church, they could no longer afford his services. At this time, Reverend Neal was called in as a spiritual advisor. As well as, several ministers were called in from time to time to render their service.

After a period, the members decided to call a minister to serve as pastor. Reverend Thomas Jordan became the first ordained minister and served until his death. Reverend George King became the next pastor. Under his leadership, the church was completed and paid in full. The ministers who succeeded Reverend King were Reverend Lloyd Williams, Reverend M. M. Turner, Reverend F.L. Patterson, Reverend W. H. Mattox, Reverend Lawrence Pollard, Reverend James Dugger, Reverend Thomas Simmons, Reverend Delmar Harris and Reverend Leroy Cherry. From 1995 until 1998, First Baptist Church was without a Pastor for approximately three (3) years, at that time; Reverend Junius W. Bervine served as our spiritual advisor until the Lord sent us Reverend Alvin J. Gurley; who presently serve as pastor and has served for the past 15 years. Minister Mary A. Gurley was voted in as the first Assistant Pastor in 2004.

First Baptist Church (FBC) is proud of five sons who were called into the ministry, Reverend Dr. Washington L. Lundy who was licensed by FBC is the pastor of the Evening Star Baptist Church in Brooklyn New York, Reverend George Edward Jackson (deceased) was an Associated Minister at the Little Mount Baptist Church in Blackstone, Virginia, Reverend Winston Bland who was licensed by FBC is the pastor of the New Witt Baptist Church in Farmville, Virginia, Reverend Herman Lundy is the pastor of the Flat Rock Baptist Church in Kenbridge, Virginia and Reverend John Eddie Lundy is an Associate Pastor of Evening Star Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York.

We are equally proud of three daughters who were called into the ministry. In 2002, Minister Shandrelle Fisher was licensed as the Youth Minister of First Love Alive Victory Army in Richmond, Virginia. In 2003, Minister Mary Ann Gurley was licensed by FBC and currently serves as the Assistant Pastor. In 2004, Minister Wanda Johnson Wallace was licensed by FBC and serves as the Pastor of the Little Mount Baptist Church in Blackstone, Virginia. As well as, FBC was proud to have had three outstanding Associate Ministers, Minister Cheryl Stewart (2002) whom served as the Youth Minister, Minister Sean Beechaum (2006) and Minister Dorian Daniels.

The first members elected to serve on the Deacon Ministry were Baker Hobbs, Willie Pelham, Robert Fitzgerald, James Fisher and C. M. Stanley. The other deacons that served faithfully over the years were Woodson Marks, Augustus Lynch, Lee Stewart, George Hicks, H. P. Johnson, Vaden Hobbs, Willie Lee Peterson, Aaron Batts, Phillip Lundy, Thomas Lundy, Ben Fitzgerald, William Blount, Robert M. Lundy, John Jackson, Oscar Epps, D. C. Love,. Frederick Palmer, David Fisher, Livingston Tucker, John Lee Fisher, Reverend Winston Bland, John E. Smith, Willie A. Marks and Morris Taylor. The present deacons are William Scott, Chairperson, Alex Taylor, Sidney Lanier, Phillip Harris, Harold Bland, W. Lamonte Fields, Kenneth Street and Stacey Batts. In 2006, Ms. Batts was the first women to be ordained as a deacon at FBC. On February 15, 2010, Pastor Alvin J. Gurley conducted the first catechized Deacon ceremony at FBC for deacons elect William Scott and Morris Taylor.

In later years, the Deaconess Ministry was organized to help assist the deacons, provide spiritual support where needed and prepare the communion. Some of the Deaconess who has served faithfully over the years is Daisy Fisher, Mary Goodwyn, Cynthia Harris, India Smith, Bernice Blount, Rosa Lundy, Lou Ellen Fisher and Tonia Taylor. Our current Deaconess is Mary Lanier, Chairperson, Sylvia Epps, Alice Smith, Elizabeth Tisdale, Margie Jackson, Pearl Bland, Beverly Scott & Victor Taylor.

The Trustee Ministry was not organized when the church was established. As time passed and the church’s obligations increased, the members found it necessary to organize one. There have been many trustees who have served long and well. Some of them were William Henry Hardy, Willie Lee Fields, James Tucker, George Lundy, William Blount, Oscar Epps, Milton Lundy, James R. Lynch, Elva Palmer, Frederick Palmer, Livingston Tucker, Charlie Jones, John Fisher, David Fisher, Norman Epps and John E. Smith, all are deceased. Other former trustees are Reverend Winston Bland, Merldean Ragsdale, Georgia Moore, Sylvia Epps, Margie Jackson, Pastor Wanda Wallace, Morris Taylor, Kenneth Street and Dorothy Ragsdale. Our present trustees are Phillip Harris, Chairperson, Christine Wynn, Stacey Batts, Victor Taylor, W. Lamonte Fields, William Scott and Shelia Morgan.

The Church Clerk’s position was first held by C. M. Stanley. Some of the others who have served in this capacity were Vaden Hobbs, Lawrence Dudley, Frank Epps, Aaron Batts, Sylvia Epps, Sarah Fields, Cassandra Bland and Mary Jones. The present clerk is Marian Gilchrist, who has been serving for the past 27 years.

The position of the Church Secretary was established under the leadership of Reverend Leroy Cherry. Cassandra Bland was the first secretary and served until 1995. Felicia Jones then took the reins until she resigned in 2010. Afterwards, Minister Cheryl Stewart faithfully held the office until her departure in 2014. Currently, the Administrative Assistant is Shelia Morgan.

The first Finance Committee was formed under the pastorate of Reverend W. H. Mattox. The members were Willie Lee Peterson, 0.W. Epps, Sarah Fields and Livingston Tucker. Others who have served on this committee are: Elva Sarah Fields and Margie Jackson, Pastor Wanda Wallace, Merldean Ragsdale, John Smith, Sylvia Epps, William Blount, Marketta Walker, W. Lamonte Fields, Pastor Winston Bland, Georgia Moore, Wanda Roberts and Christine Wynn. The present Finance Committee members are Stacey Batts, treasurer, Victor Taylor, financial secretary and Phillip Harris, Chairperson of the Trustees.

The Missionary Ministry was organized by the Ebenezer Baptist Convention. The first officers were Lula Hobbs, Chairperson, Roberta Dudley, secretary and Bessie Pelham, treasurer. Some of the Chairpersons who have served over the years were Lillie Batts, Mamie Fitzgerald, Emma Hicks, Irene Tucker, Lillian Fields, Rosetta Lundy, Sarah Fields, Alice Smith, Elva Palmer, Mary Jones, Mary Goodwyn and Cynthia Harris. Elizabeth Tisdale is now the residing Chairperson. Lou Ellen Fisher served as treasurer for twenty five (25) years until the church consolidated all the ministry treasuries into one account in 2003.

As time passed on, there grew an inward desire to improve the spiritual and educational standards of the youth in the church, thus a Church Sunday School was organized. Among those who have served as superintendent were Robert Fitzgerald, Aaron Batts, James Lundy, Oscar Epps, Pastor Winston Bland, John Lee Fisher and Sidney Lanier. Assistant Pastor Mary Ann Gurley was elected superintendent in November of 2007 and currently holding this position.

Several organizations have been added to our church with a combined purpose of helping all members to become more dedicated and consecrated Christians:

The Usher Ministry was organized by Irene Tucker. Some of the past Chairpersons were Dorothy Ragsdale, Mary D. Goodwyn, Elva Palmer, Alice Smith, Margie Jackson and Sandra Fisher. Faith Smith is the present Chairperson. The present Ushers Ministry consists of 13 members.

Dorothy Ragsdale was president of the first Youth Usher Ministry. This ministry was reorganized under Reverend Leroy Cherry and Vanessa Pegram has served as the Advisor since that time. The first Usher Ministry consisted of Shayla Smith, Ariel Smith, Shelletta Malone, JaKesa Batts, Alicia Pegram, Kianah Curtis, Quincy Curtis, JaKari Batts, Marcus Smith, Dustin Smith, Jamar Smith, Vincent Smith and Katelyn Ragsdale. Later, Tamora Taylor, Cheyanne Bland and Elijah Jackson joined the ministry. Currently, the Youth Usher Ministry is under reconstruction.

The Men’s Usher Ministry was organized in 2002 under the leadership of Pastor Alvin J. Gurley. The members were Sidney Lanier, John Smith, Willie Marks, Alex Taylor, Tristian Smith, Kenneth Street and Clarence Marks. Our resent members are Wayne Bonner, Stanley Burge and Freddie Gilchrist. Since 2003, the young men from the Youth Usher Ministry have been serving in this capacity under the direction of Vanessa Pegram until October 2007. These young men included Marcus Smith, Vincent Smith, Jamar Smith, Dustin Smith, Brandon Wright, Lamont Fields, Shawn Alston, KaShawn Nicholson, Elijah Jackson and JaKari Batts

The Thomas Lundy Memorial Club, later changed to the First Baptist Men’s Club, was organized by Reverend J. R. Dugger. Their advisor was Thomas Lundy. There have been various Chairpersons, Aaron Batts, William Blount, John Jackson, Robert Milton Lundy, John Smith and John Lee Fisher. This organization has been inactive since the 1980’s. However, in 2005, W. Lamonte Fields reorganized this dub and changed the name too Boys to Men.

The Irene Tucker Youth Memorial Club was organized as a tribute to Irene Tucker for her outstanding work with the youth of our church. Among the Chairpersons was Fredrick Palmer, Jr. and Pastor Wanda Wallace, Rosetta Lundy was their advisor. The club has been inactive since 1968.

The Senior Choir has served First Baptist Church from the day the church was established and sings each first Sunday. Some of the past Chairpersons included Daisy Fisher, Sherman Lundy, Sarah Fields, India Smith, John Lee Fisher, Elizabeth Tisdale and Pastor Wanda Wallace, Albert Jackson and Dorothy Ragsdale. The first organist to serve our church was Edward Cooper. Many have served faithfully in this capacity. Some were Ida Tucker, Bertha Epps, Catherine Simmons, Helen Tucker, Patricia Peterson Caesar, Mary Dudley Gregory, Frances Hicks, Cheryl Epps, Donald Pollard, Brenda Fitzgerald Vinson, Ernestine Smith Feggans, Mary Dugger and Brenda Lundy White. At the present, Donald Mills serves as the pianist. In 2003, the Senior Choir was renamed First Baptist Adult Choir.

The Relations Gospel Singers was a young adult choir that was organized in the 1970s under the direction of Reverend George Jackson. This choir consisted of members from the Curtis, Fisher and Lundy families. Brenda Lundy White was the musician. This choir later changed to the First Baptist Young Adult Choir.

First Baptist Gospel Ensemble formally named the L. A. Cherry Gospel Singers was organized under the leadership of Pastor Leroy A. Cherry. This group of singers was a part of the First Baptist Combined Choir, which was a result of the Senior Choir and the Young Adult Choir merging together to increase the strength of the choir. The past Chairpersons of the Gospel Ensemble were Brenda Cherry, Victor Taylor, Christine Wynn and Felicia Jones. The present Chairperson is Marion Gilchrist. Some of the musicians were Joseph Ford, George Wilson, Benda Lundy White, Pleasant Singleton, Windell Givens, Jason Baxter, Loretta Beechaum and Quinton Jones. The drummers consisted of Phillip Harris, Jr. and Deon Batts. The guitarist consisted of Leon Batts and Joseph Johnson. The current musician is James Toney and drummer Mr. Kenneth Cudjoe.

Throughout the years, several Youth Choirs sung from time to time. From as early as the 1940s, Mrs. Jeanette Peterson worked in all capacities with the youth. A Tot Choir was organized by Sarah Fields and Ruth Fitzgerald during the 1960s. Around 1990, a Youth Choir was organized under the direction of Pastor Wanda Wallace; this choir sung two (2) selections during the third Sunday service for several years. Around 1997, the First Baptist Sunday School Choir was organized from a strong desire of Frederick Palmer; this choir was under the direction of Phillip Harris, Sr. The Sunday School Choir grew into the present day First Baptist Youth Choir under the direction of Victor Taylor. Kendra Taylor was the first Chairperson for the First Baptist Youth Choir and is still maintaining this position as of today. Assistant Pastor Mary Ann Gurley also assisted in directing the choir. Former musicians were Jason Baxter and Reverend Cory Beasley. The drummers were Leon Batts and Deon Batts. The current musician is Quinton Jones and the drummer is Kenneth Cudjoe.

First Baptist Men’s Choir, whose name was changed to The Men of Praise in 2007, was organized in September 2002 under the leadership of Phillip Harris, Sr. and Natasha Maddox Byrd, as director. A group of approximately 10 members sung for the first time on the 4th Sunday in September 2002, during the morning services. Past musicians were Jason Baxter, Deon and Leon Batts (Drummer), Theo Edmonds and Loretta Beechaum. Reverend Alexander Williams joined this group as the director and served until September 2007, when he became the Pastor of Big Bethel Church in McKenney. The current musician is Quinton Jones and Kenneth Cudjoe (Drummer), under the directorship of Victor Taylor.

The Angels of Praise, First Baptist’s first Praise Ministry, was organized in 2001 under the direction of Jharmekia A. Curtis. Tonya Batts assisted in directing this group of young people. Teiara Grandison Daniels was also a leader during this time. The group consisted of approximately 15 members. Some of the members worshipped at various churches in the area (Big Bethel, Shiloh and Eleven Oaks). Today they are under the leadership of Tonya Batts.

The Pastor’s Aide Ministry was organized under the direction of Reverend Thomas Simmons, to assist the pastor in any way that was deemed necessary and helpful. The first Chairperson was India Smith. Deneen Person, Cassondre’ Smith and Dorothy Booth have also served in this capacity. The current Chairperson is Ruth P. Coleman.

The Christian Women’s Fellowship was organized by Brenda Cherry. In 2001 under the leadership of Mrs. Mary Ann Gurley, the name was changed to the First Baptist Church Women Ministry. The goal of the ministry is serving and meeting the needs of women in the body of Christ. The ministry continues to be a working fellowship meeting every 4th Tuesday night. We spend time in the word of God, pray and just have sister-to-sister talks. We believe that God is concerned with the struggles that women face. He has a plan to set us free. We are on a journey to discover God’s plan for our lives. Some of our past chairpersons were Mrs. Brenda Cherry, Deaconesses Victor Taylor and Mrs. Dorothy Ragsdale. The present chairperson is Minster Mary Ann Gurley.

The Men’s Ministry, under Pastor Gurley in 2006. The vision for this ministry was birthed out of a desire for men to serve in God’s vineyard, which was and is ready to be harvested. The mission for this ministry is to ensure that men are continually focusing on their God given Purpose, to get men to see their God given Potential and to ensure that men are exercising their God given Power. We have put forth an effort to begin a boys to men “reach one teach one” outreach. We continue to work at begin great fathers, husband and men of God. We meet every fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:00pm. This is where we learn how to keep the vision and mission of God moving forward.

The Senior’s Ministry was implemented by Vanessa Pegram in 2006. All seniors are invited to share in various activities too include a play at Virginia State University and attend information sessions. The members of the ministry have visited an Adult Care facility and provided lap throws and gifts; visited the sick and shut in church members to fellowship over lunch. The members meet yearly for a cookout and Christmas dinner.

The New Members Ministry was established under the leadership of Pastor Gurley to teach the principles of salvation and what salvation and church membership means in the life of the believer. Initially the classes were taught by Minister Cheryl Stewart; later, Assistant Pastor Mary Ann Gurley began instructing the classes. In October 2014, Deaconess Beverly Scott volunteered to teach the New Member class.

The Transportation Ministry was organized April 25, 1987 when it was talked about buying a forty four (44)-passenger bus from the Overland Company in Petersburg, Virginia for $2,300.00. The drivers were Willie Marks, Freddie Gilchrist, Mrs. Rosa Brown and Mrs. Pearl Bland. On November 21, 1991, it was agreed upon to sell the bus. On May 30, 2001, we decided to purchase our current fifteen (15)-passenger van and it was paid by May 2006. W. Lamonte Fields was the Chairperson, with the additional staff of Cassondre’ Smith, Felicia Jones, Dorothy Ragsdale and Willie Marks. The current Chairperson is Freddie Gilchrist with Tonya Batts as the other driver.
The Audio/Visual Ministry was started around 2002 with Pastor Alvin Gurley, Cassondre’ Smith and W. Lamonte Fields as technicians. Since then, Shelletta Malone and William Scott have joined the team.

Minister Mary Ann Gurley started the Intercessory Prayer Ministry under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. This group of prayer warriors had a burden for prayer. They began meeting every other Saturday morning, tarrying for an hour. They now meet before the weekly Bible Study. In 2013, “The hour of prayer” was implemented. Every 5th Tuesday night at 7 p.m. the church gathers for corporate prayer. It is an hour prayer for the church, the church ministries and for the community.

The Web Development Ministry was implemented and designed by Minister Cheryl Stewart in January 2005; thereafter, managed by Felicia Jones. The current email address is www.fbcmckenney.org. The current web developer is W. Lamonte Fields with Felicia Jones as his assistant.

The Cemetery Committee was established during the 1960’s. Sarah Fields was the Chairperson of the ministry for more than 30 years. This committee was organized to keep records of our burial plots and maintenance of the church cemetery. W. Lamonte Fields is currently leading this committee.

The Kitchen Ministry was instituted when the Church Covenant was adopted
some 27 years ago under the pastorate of Pastor Leroy Cherry. This committee was not operational until 2000 under the leadership of Pastor Alvin J. Gurley. Harold Bland is the Chairperson.

The Revival Committee is a longstanding committee. This committee was established during the 1980’s. Victor Taylor has aided in chairing this committee. Vanessa Pegram was the Chairperson from 1992 until 2007, at that time, Faith Smith has held the reigns since.

In 2005, God gave Stacey Batts a vision to have a program that involved inviting our extended families, family members that have gone abroad and friends too come and worship with us and set aside time with in the program to give back to them, which we now know it as Family and Friends Day. The very first program was held on October 30, 2005, the theme was A Community of Christ, Fellowshipping Together and the scripture was “How Good and How Pleasant It Is for Brethren to Dwell Together in Unity”. Wanda Roberts was the Mistress of Ceremony and Minister Kim White at the time, now Pastor White, from Good Shepherd Baptist Church of Petersburg, Virginia was our guest speaker for the afternoon. In 2012, Marinda Walton stepped up to the plate, took reigns as the Chairperson of Family and Friends day, and still resides as the current Chairperson. Ms. Walton put a completely new twist on Family and Friends Day. She has asked a different family each year to perform a talent or recite a poem during the service, invited the McKenney Cruisers Car Club and a motorcycle club; not only did she get the members involved, she was very instrumental in orchestrating the fellowship afterwards; by setting up a tail gaiting event where the members were divided by families and they were responsible for setting up tents, bringing tables, chairs and food. We walked from one family to another family’s table eating, having fun and fellowshipping.

Our Sunday school became affiliated with the Dinwiddie and Brunswick Sunday School Union for many years, to expand and improve our Christian activities and knowledge. We are no longer apart of these unions. Our church became a member of the Unified Shiloh Baptist Association of Southside Virginia for more than 50 years. Our former Pastor Leroy Cherry served as Moderator while pastoring our church. Rosetta Lundy, Brenda Lundy White, Leonard McWillie and Pastor Wanda Wallace have served as officers. In addition, we joined the United Churches of Dinwiddie County when it was organized and remained a member until 2001.

From a physical standpoint, a number of improvements have been made over the years to the original structure. From 1914 to 1993, we added a vestibule, a pastor’ study, two bathrooms, a Fellowship Hall, expanded the choir stand, and purchased an organ, a new piano and central heating and air conditioning system. Remodeled the pulpit and purchased pulpit furniture, light fixtures, church pews, installed water fountains, purchased a mimeograph copier, erected a bulletin board, wall lights in the sanctuary, purchased a copier, a 44 passenger bus and six acres of land which will be used for the First Baptist Memorial Gardens, acquired two (2) church houses and installed stained glass windows. From 1994 to 2002, installed new carpet, upholstered pews, added an inside baptismal pool, purchased a grand piano and a fifteen (15) passenger van, installed a new P. A. system and microphones. From 2003 until 2007, the following purchases were made: a Xerox machine, a computer, a new piano, a carport for the van, new kitchen appliances and tables in the Fellowship hall, built a handicap ramp, renovated the wall behind the pulpit, sand the floors in the halls and updated the bathrooms.

In 2003, the first Church Directory was completed with addresses and pictures of the families of the church.

In 2004, the plans and a design were drawn up for the vision that God gave Pastor Alvin Gurley of the new sanctuary that would become the new First Baptist Church.

Sylvia Epps compiled the original church history from information obtained from Hattie Winfield, James Fisher, Roberta Dudley, John Jackson and other seniors in the community. The earliest history on record is 1974. Cassandra Bland, First Lady of the New Witt Baptist Church, then the Secretary of FBC later updated the history in 1987 and 1993. Pastor Wanda Wallace updated the history in 2002 and 2005 in the 88th and 9Jst Anniversary booklets. In 2003, Mary Lanier updated the history to include pictures of all the ministries in the 89th Anniversary booklet. In 2007, Pastor Wanda Wallace completed the update with the help of Helen Tucker, Pearl Bland and Sylvia Epps as an annex to the 93rd Anniversary booklet. In 2014, Sylvia Epps and Pearl Bland started updating the Anniversary booklet; but then the church was asked to gather additional information from their families and archives to commemorate this l00th Anniversary booklet.

In 2005, I made a statement about our growth in God and how that growth will continue and be sustained. First, I said we must trust in God. He is the one who directs our paths. Others may have information for our growth, but only God has answers for our growth. Secondly, I said we must wait on God. He is the one who renews our strength. Only those that wait on Him get their strength renewed. Thirdly, I said we must work for God. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few.