History:

Fluvanna Church has a rich history since it’s founding in 1852. The church was founded with a desire to provide a local place of worship, to eliminate the need for long distance traveling.

Ten acres of land were deeded in 1851 for the purpose of building a meetinghouse with a vision of establishing a local church. From the early minutes of the church we read:

At a meeting held at Fluvanna meeting house on the 12th day of April, 1852, a presbytery was formed consisting of the Rev. Joseph Fox and the Rev. William C. Hall, ministers of the Gospel of Christ belonging to the Baptist denomination for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church at said meeting house to be designated as Fluvanna Church.

Those familiar with the writing and telling of history know that often history is determined by whose perspective one is telling it from. Therefore, the history of wars and conflicts are influenced by which side is telling the story. In the case of Fluvanna Baptist Church, there are multitudes of people throughout its history that have been impacted by the ministry of this church family. They could each tell stories shedding light on what God has done. But there is another perspective that truly sheds light on the history of Fluvanna Baptist Church. Someone has said that history is really “His Story”. After all, Jesus is the One who said; “I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

As we scan the 150 years of Fluvannas existence, we see the hand of God upon us as a Church. God gave the mandate for the Church in the Great Commandment; “to love God with all our heart, soul and mind” and the Great Commission, “to make disciples of all nations.” Reading the records of this body of believers, we see that this has been the focus from the beginning even until today. At its founding, there was a desire for a place of corporate worship, where those in this community could come together to magnify God. In the formation of Sunday Schools and Bible study opportunities we see the desire to truly be Disciples of Christ.

Fluvanna has also embraced its calling to fulfill the great commission from the very beginning. The vision of the church was more than local as evidenced by the sending out of five missionaries, including the first Southern Baptist Missionary to Argentina, Sidney Sowell in 1903 Since that time others have gone to Africa, South America, Central America, Europe and Asia. Six men have been ordained to the gospel ministry and sent out to serve His church. The Light of His Church continues to shine both in Fluvanna County and around the world!

Today, we reflect on the work of God: “His Story” of Fluvanna Baptist Church. The story that has been written over 150 years is a testimony to the faithfulness of God! The story that has yet to be written is one of hope-filled dependence upon our Sovereign God “who works all things after the council of His own will”. Should the Lord tarry in His return, our prayer is that this local expression of His body called Fluvanna Baptist will continue to be a Light in this place. That we will continue to be used of God to Lead people to Jesus, Incorporate them into the body, Grow them to spiritual maturity, Help them to use their gifts to serve others, in order that Transformed lives may bring total glory to our God! To that end let us live!