FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLENDENIN
A CELEBRATION OF 128 YEARS

1898 – First Baptist Church of Clendenin organized at the home of James Jarrett.

Rev. W. E. Metz served as first pastor. Church joined the Kanawha Valley Association.

1909 – Church purchased land on Maywood Avenue

First church building (“Baptist Church on the Hill”) built and dedicated.

1910–1919 – Periods of pastoral transition. Several pastors and supply ministers served. Parsonage purchased, sold, and relocated.

1923 – Rev. Clyde West called as pastor. Memberships grew and church prospered.

1924–1926 – Major building campaign

New church site purchased in 1925. Cornerstone laid October 4, 1925. New church building opened March 21, 1926

1926–1938 – Multiple pastoral changes

Continued growth and ministry development.

1939–1941 – Major internal division

Many members withdrew. Church reorganized

1941 – Church debt paid in full

Church formally dedicated October 5, 1941

1944–1948 – World War II era

Honor Roll created for members in military service. 1st telephone installed (1948)

1951 – New parsonage built beside the church

1952–1960 – Rev. John Gillespie served as pastor

Parking lot purchased behind the church

1965–1972 – Rev. Sam Hill served as pastor

Major church remodeling completed. New sanctuary dedicated in 1967. Stained-glass windows dedicated in 1969

1973–1980 – Dr. Gerald Morgan served as pastor

1982–1987 – Rev. Cliff Sutherland served as pastor

1988–2000 – Rev. Archie Snedegar served as pastor

AWANA program began. Activity Building constructed. Significant growth in ministries and outreach

2001–2006 – Rev. Rex Thompson served as pastor

Youth programs expanded. Mission trips and church van purchased.

2007 – Activity Building mortgage paid in full

2008–2013 – Pastoral transitions including Rev. Ron Burnsworth and Rev. Gary Walker

2016 – Rev. Joe Seese called as pastor

Devastating Elk River flood severely damaged church and town. Church became a major relief and recovery center.

2016–2019 – Flood recovery and rebuilding

Volunteers from across the region assisted. Lift installed for accessibility. Continued community outreach.

2020 – COVID-19 pandemic Church began online worship and Facebook Live services

2021–2023 – Ongoing ministry and outreach. Continued recovery, leadership development, and community support.

2025-present – Rev. James Adkins called as pastor