POWHATAN — Long before Facebook and the internet, electricity and televisions, and tractors and cars stood a small country church in Powhatan County. Founded before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Muddy Creek Baptist Church is known as one of the oldest Baptist churches in the United States, according to the church's web site. Two hundred and thirty-five years later, the church continues to celebrate her rich history.
Muddy Creek Baptist Church is 235 years old.
|
In the morning service held Oct. 4, Muddy Creek members paused to honor this milestone. Friends, family and loved ones young and old gathered for the service, which concluded with dinner on the grounds. Distinguished guest Delegate Lee Ware spoke to the congregation during the service, reminding each to remember the many “cloud of witnesses.”
Referring to the cemetery located behind the church, Ware said “the stones tell us stories …. Today is about memories. Our Bibles and our faith tell us we need to remember.”
Special guest Rand Forder, another former preacher of the church, delivered the message, calling on members to celebrate their sainthood. “Jesus came to free us up to celebrate. We come to celebrate sainthood; imperfect people called by God to serve … with deep-down joy!”
Members throughout the day continued to reflect, sharing memories of saints who visited homes and encouraged them to attend and join the church. Others paused to share how the landscape provided one of the most beautiful sunsets in the county, while others shared the presence of God’s love in the church.
“The older people made an impression on my life spiritually. In this community, you grew your family up together. If there was a death, you were there for it. If there was a birth, you were there for it. If there was a trial, you were a part of it,” said Ann Hatcher, former member and daughter of the church’s first full-time minister, Leonard Vimpeny. When Vimpeny’s family came to the church in 1965, the church built its parsonage. Vimpeny and his wife have returned to Muddy Creek in his retirement.
“We are a people whose history is grand, whose current status is strong, and whose future in God’s kingdom work is anticipated with open arms and hearts,” current pastor Dave Peppler said. “It is very exciting to see what God will have us do next as we allow our heritage to be our example of blessings from above for those who work for the Lord.”
The church continued its homecoming celebration with a week of revival services on the theme of courage.