Cool Ridge Free Will Baptist History

Cool Ridge Free Will Baptist was organized on July1, 1962. Rev. Basil Baldwin of Odd, WV was elected as the first pastor, Zelda Bone was the church clerk and Ruth Speck was the financial treasurer. The deacons were Lawrence Cooper and Sherman Bone. The first services were held for three months in a store building near the present church owned by Robert Thomas and rented for 25$ per month. Land was purchased from W.W. and Ruby Brammer and construction was begun on the church. Services were first held in the basement on September 29, 1962 with the Rev. Hampton offering the consecration prayer, Rev. Little John offering words of encouragement and Rev. Huffman presenting the Word of God. Seventeen members were received into the church and the church united with the Beckley Free Will Baptist Conference.

Pastor Basil Baldwin served the church for one year and four months before passing away. Rev. Leslie Lilly of Camp Creek served the remaining year as pastor, was elected pastor and resigned after the one year term.

On February 12, 1965 Rev. George Speck was elected pastor and served the church until 1985 when he retired. Rev. Speck attends Cool Ridge Free Will Baptist to this day and continues to preach on occasion.

The original church was destroyed by fire in 2000. The present building was built with the support of the community and churches from around the area and nation.