FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH DENBIGH HISTORICAL BRIEF

In 1862 and on behalf of a company of baptized believers, a recognizing council was called and organized.  After being instructed in the ‘‘Baptist principles and doctrines,” the church was recognized as “The Colored Denbigh Baptist Church.”  Rev. Peter Banks was chosen as leader.  He resigned after one year.  The people met at the Old Denbigh Baptist Church, which was owned by the white community. Rev. Thomas Wright, Jr. the second pastor, was the First Ordained Black Minister in Warwick County.”  

 

During his three-year tenure, the white community reclaimed their structure, and a small wood church was built, with an outside pool for baptizing.  Before
this, baptizing was done in the Warwick River always in late August.  The congregation increased.  The church was renamed “First Baptist Church of Warwick County.” As the years passed, the congregation grew, pastors changed, and they brought their own improvement to FBCD.  Between 1941 and 1948, a piano and eventually an organ was purchased, and a church bell was hung in the church foyer.  The church was again renamed, becoming” First Baptist Church Denbigh.”

The Deacons served as trustees until 1956, when a Trustee Ministry was organized.  In 1958, First Baptist Church Denbigh became the oldest organized Black church in the city of Newport News and, also, the oldest “First Baptist Church” in the area.  A bond sale of $100,000 between 1968 and 1973) was initiated by Pastor Albert Hill to build a new church.  In May 1972, the first church service was held in the new “brick” building, which included a heated inside pool. 

 

A Board of Christian Education was organized, a minister of music and church historian were selected.  Prior to this the church history was maintained by the church clerk and lay member.  In June 1986, a tragic fire destroyed our edifice; however, with God’s blessings and the commitment of our members, the first service in the rebuilt church was held June 26, 1988.

The years 1990 to 2022 have proven to be very significant in the history of FBCD – many ministries were added, the Mass Choir participated at CNU in the production of “Porgy & Bess.” The old cemetery is now a designated “Civil War Historical Site” with a historical marker, Civil War Trails.  Pastor Ivan T. Harris was our longest serving pastor retired after 31 years of service.  

 

The year 2020 was unlike any other year in the history of our church.  A deadly Corona virus, COVID-19, ravaged the world.  It caused many businesses, schools, and churches to cancel their schedules and devise alternate methods of operations.  Our church was no exception.  Thanks to modern technology, we worshipped virtually and diligently followed CDC guidelines of wearing masks and 6-foot distancing.  Covid-19 restrictions have been relaxed and once again we are worshipping as a congregation in the sanctuary.  However, our services are still produced Live on Facebook and YouTube.
 
After retirement of Pastor Ivan T. Harris, May 2019, a pastoral search team was formed to select a new pastor.   In October 2020, Rev. Dr. Earl C. Johnson started as Interim Pastor of FBCD.  He started by preaching and teaching the word of God to include classes on the “15 Invaluable Laws of Growth” by John Maxwell.   Classes were taught virtually to our congregation because of the COVID-19 Virus.   As the vaccines began to be successful our church officially re-open on July 4, 2021.   Everyone in attendance continually wore masks, did temperature checks, and kept a social distance.  Rev. Dr. Earl C. Johnson ordained Min. Jaymorle Ingram and Min. Ryan Perkins.

The pastoral search team found our new Pastor, Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Wofford, Sr. of Suffolk, Virginia in December 2022.   Rev.  Dr. Earl C.  Johnson preached his last sermon on January 8, 2023.  Rev. Dr. Melvin M. Wofford preached his first sermon on 3rd  Sunday, January 15, 2023.  His wife, and kids, First Lady, Shalay Wofford, and Sharilyn, Dajour, Melvin Jr., and Skylar were in attendance.  Pastor Wofford is our 19th  Full-time Pastor to be installed at FBCD.

Some of our Military Veterans and church family members have donated to the Four Oaks Day Service Center of Newport News, Virginia; Coats, Underwear, Socks, Tooth Brush/Toothpaste, Deodorant, and soap to help the homeless community.  

Our Homeless Ministry faithfully cooks and serves meals downtown Newport News every 4th  Saturday to our underserved community.

A Grief Share Ministry was started in November 2023 by Min. Antonio Grace, Mrs. Trudy Grace, and Mrs. Cheryl Williams.

Our Ministry of Music, Mr. Anthony Witherspoon, a faithful and dedicated servant, retired as leader of our church choirs effective the end of December 2023.  He served over forty-two years.  Mr. Witherspoon was honored during our 2024 Choir Day Service. 


Under the leadership of Pastor Melvin Wofford, Sr., the Church Motto, “First Baptist Church Denbigh, The Church with a Heart in the Heart of Denbigh” was changed to “A Community Church Making a Global Impact.”  The Mission Statement is “Intentionally Moving People and Christ Together” (I.M.P.A.C.T.) to build the Kingdom of God.  The Vision is: “A Christ Centered Community Making an Impact in the world.”   

Pastor Wofford established the fourth Sunday as Youth Sunday and brought
on Min. Jordan Moody as Youth Pastor. 

 

Pastor Melvin Wofford ordained three ministers, Min. James Grant, Min. Gloria Fox, and Min. Douglas Pettie on Sunday June 23, 2024.

The Women’s Ministry hosted a Women’s Conference led by First Lady Shalay
Wofford.  The topic of discussion was “I Am Enough.”  Over 100 ladies were in
attendance and it was a total success.

The 162nd Anniversary of First Baptist Church Denbigh was held on Sunday October 13, 2024.

 

Thankful for the grace of God to our church out theme for the service was
Celebrating God’s Faithfulness”. The First Baptist Church Denbigh Family will
continue to Praise God for all His Blessings.
 
Presented by:
The History Ministry and                                                                
EVELYN BANKS – Church Historian