History

Dellwood Baptist Church History 

On November 2, 1845 the deed for the property of Jonathan Creek Baptist Church was executed by John Leatherwood to J.B. Leatherwood.  This church was built of logs and stood in a beautiful grove of trees near the location of the old Dellwood Baptist Church.  Considering the date of the deed above, it is believed that the church was organized in 1845, but there is no mention of it in the Tuckasegee minutes until 1848.  The pastor was John Haynes and the membership totaled about 15.

In 1857 to 1858, Rev. C.B. Mingus was pastor with a membership of 28.  There were no records from 1858 to 1870 as the Civil War was raging, and it is not uncommon to find that church records were limited during these dark times.

During 1884, under the direction of Robert Plott, the building of the second church was begun.  The property for this church was located on Highway 19, just across from the current Maggie Valley Inn.  Pink Francis was the cnotractor of this wood framed church that was finished and dedicated in 1885.

During 1926, the name Jonathan Creek Church was changed to Dellwood Baptist Church.

Sometime during the early 1950′s, a decision was made to widen Highway 19.  The church property was included in the right of way, thus requiring the church to move.  In February 1955, the propery for a new church was purchased from Vernon and Pansy Wells, which was the site of the old Dellwood Methodist Church.  This structure was torn down and construction began on the brick church.  R.B. (Andy) Owen was the contractor.  The first service in this church was held in November 1955.  

The wooden framed church, which had to be removed because of the road work, was sold to Wilce and Frances McGaha for $100.00 during this same year.  Wilce tore down the churcha nd built the house he and the late Ms. Frances live in on Moody Farm Road in Maggie Valley.

On December 7, 1988, the congregation voted to purchase property found by the search committee for the bilding of a new Dellwood Baptist Church.  The new location was to provide expanded facilities for future growth in church membership as well as for improved parking.

Final payment for the new church property was made on July 14, 1991 with help from proceeds of the sell of the old fellowship hall property.

On August 4, 1991, a note burning ceremony was held, followe by a ground breaking ceremony on site on August 18, 1991.  On that day the first dirt that was dug was done so by Mrs. Bessie Evans and Mr. Vernon Wells.  Land preparation for the new church began in late October 1991.  Construction of the new fellowship hall was started on November 7, 1991.  The last service at the old church building was held on March 1, 1992 and the first service in the temporary sanctuary (our current fellowship hall) was held on March 8, 1992.

On May 24, 1992, a Cornerstone Service was held placing the history of the church in the cornerstone and dedicating the new church.  The searl is to be broken on the stone in 50 years and the history read.  Also on May 24, 1992, our current fellowship hall was dedicated as the temporary sanctuary.  Eddie Nelson, Chairman of the Deacons at that time, declared that the name of this church shall henceforth be known as “Dellwood Baptist Church.”

A ground breaking service took place on March 7, 1993, for the starting of the construction of our new sanctuary.  This was exactly one year after the completion and moving into the temporary sanctuary.

On October 3 1993, the first Sunday morning worship service was held commemorating the day as Homecoming, in the sanctuary that we are currently having services in.  On August 14, 1998 God provided a trememdous gift of love which allowed the Church debt to be paid in full.

In July 2003, a 40-space paved parking lot was added to the north side of the church to allow for expanded growth.

On August 27, 2003, a decision was made to enclose the covered picnic shed behind the church to make it into additional Sunday School classrooms.

On April 22, 2007 the church called Rev. Bobby Rogers as it’s Pastor along with his wife, Rhonda, and their children, Tyler and Emily.

On July 29, 2007 Jim Johnson was called as Associate Pastor, Senior Ministry, along with his wife, Vivian.

By April of 2008 Pastor Bobby Rogers reported that the architect had purchased new software that would have 3D capability by which to develop the church’s expansion plan.

In May 2008 our deacons presented a plan for a Deacon Family Ministry in which each deacon would have 22 families for which he would be in support of and be in service to. 

In August of 2008 Pastor Bobby Rogers presented a 3D image of what our church could and/or would look like if and when the expansion takes place.  The sewer lines have been completed to allow the expansion to become a reality.

2008 has been a great year for Dellwood Baptist Church with 88 new souls won to Christ and out of those 88 there were 67 baptized.  Theres been 104 new members added to Dellwood Baptist Church all for the Glory of God in 2008.