The church began in 1876, when some Baptists started meeting in a private home. They had been members of the nearby Sandy Creek Church and other Baptist churches. Later, the house was moved to another location and used as a school.
About 1877 a building was erected at a total cost of $877.81. It was located in a grove of trees and made of heart wood. Within a few years, the building was dismantled and reconstructed at a crossroads. The same wood and the same plans were used. In the 1890s, the decision was made to literally move the church back to the Ringgold neighborhood. Once again, the same plans and wood were used.
An early history states that one member was “so incensed over the building's being torn apart again for a move that he had to be sent to the mountains to ‘cool off'.”
The moving church was rebuilt on an acre given by a generous man to be used by the church “as long as it is used for a missionary Baptist Church.” In the western reaches of Virginia there were anti-missions churches or Primitive Baptist churches and the word and concept of missionary had profound meaning.
Finally, it seemed that Ringgold—a church on the move—was settled. But it was only the beginning of gradual “moving on up” as the church developed its potential. Sixty years ago a history of the church printed in the Religious Herald stated that after the first building was constructed, “the church progressed, weathering its ups and downs.”
In terms of buildings, there was a steady progression of construction. In 1932 the old building which had been moved was sold for $70 and, once again, the wood was hauled off and slated for a barn. A new frame building was built, bricked over a decade later, and enlarged with basement rooms. Stained-glass was added. In the 1980s, the auditorium, now “the sanctuary”, was enlarged and renovated.In 2000-01, a modern “family life center” was added.
In the early years, Ringgold had characteristics and practices typical of churches in the period. Business meetings were held on Saturdays after the farmers had time to leave their chores. At the meetings the roll was called, which signified the importance of faithful attendance and of the value of each individual voting member. Once or twice a year at meetings, the constitution was read aloud, reminding the members of the church's purpose and acceptable rules of decorum. Like most 19th-century churches, there were discipline cases and individuals were brought before the church on various infractions. Church discipline allowed for airing grievances, maintaining fellowship, the seeking of forgiveness and reconciliation. Baptist Training Union provided practical education on Baptist principles, polity and programs.
Like other rural churches, Ringgold was on “a field of churches,” sharing a pastor with several other churches. It was customary to have preaching on only one or two Sundays a month when the church had its time to share the pastor.
The old days have gone with the wind—Saturday meetings, roll call, sharing pastors and the like—although one thing remains along the back roads of Pittsylvania: tobacco! Something else which remains is Ringgold's commitment to missions. The church ranks high among Virginia Baptist churches in giving to missions.
The church has had some 22 pastors in its 130 years. The longest pastorates were held by Ross Range from 1958-67, John J. Groff, 1969-88 and Carl Burger, 1989-2005. In the early years there was a singing school in the Ringgold neighborhood and many of the members participated. It is felt that the church folks' love of music can be traced to the old-time singing school. The church early had an active Woman's Missionary Society which was led for 33 years by Janie Terry Adams. She set a standard for service which the women maintained.
David Burgess has been serving in an intentional interim pastorate since February 2006. He is working with a transitional team to help identify the core values of the church.
The church has planned a “Celebration of History” for its 11 a.m. service on Sunday, Oct. 8. The event will include a timeline showing how the church and its members connect with world history through the years, a video history which will be presented and a memorial time of remembrance of deceased members. It will be a time for remembering how the church has been on the move in the past and for reaffirming its onward course. David Burgess says, “We want to build on our core values for the future and move on to do something for the Kingdom in this century.”
Fred Anderson may be contacted at P.O. Box 34, University of Richmond, VA 23173.