Blake's Chapel History
| Blake's Chapel was first organized on June 30, 1912 in the home of Bob Chadwick. The first preaching was done by Elder G.W. Shepard of Middle Sound. Elder J.B. Williams was elected as first pastor and served the congregation for approximately three years. The church first used the old Vista school as a meeting place until 1914, at which time a small church was erected on a lot near Mike's Branch. The land was given by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Blake. In 1920 the name of the church was changed from the Advent Christian Church at Wood-side to Blake's Chapel Advent Christian Church in honor of those who gave the 1/2 acre of land and worked so faithfully in the building of the church. Over 8 acres of land have subsequently been purchased. Construction of the church parsonage began in February 1960 and was completed in February 1962. The Rev. and Mrs. Sidney Batson were the first to live in the parsonage. In 1984 a large addition consisting of a master bedroom, walk-in closet and another bath was added. In 1986 the land and house adjacent to the church was purchased to use as a guest house and annex building. The ball diamond across from the Church was donated to the Church by the Allen Caison family in 1990 and a new fellowship hall and additional Sunday School rooms were dedicated in 1991. In 1992 the sanctuary was enlarged to accommodate the growing number of worshipers. In 2008 an addition to the fellowship hall, which holds more than 200 people, was dedicated. Pastors who have served the church are: J.W. Williams, G.W. Shepard, Herman Duke, Jonnie Davis, Bruce Blake, D.D. Browning, J.J. Mohn, P.T. Batson, Linwood Rowe, Julius Parker, George Perry, Ronnie Robertson, George Karl and Pastor E.A. "Buddy" Dowd, who served the church for 31 years. Pastor Steve Spearing will become the church’s new pastor in April 2009. |
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