OUR CHURCH HISTORY
In the year 1882, Wayland Baptist Church was organized. This church had its humble beginning in a brush arbor which was erected on this present site. Records show that Dudley Thompson, Jake White, Luke Lewis and Aaron Nelson were among the founding fathers who were guided by the first pastor, Rev. G. W. Goffner. Other pastors included Rev. John O. Wight and Rev. William D. Scott. In 1890 the congregation made the decision to build a more substantial structure to serve as a meeting place. A wooden structure was erected which would serve the Oakland Community until 1974.
In 1936 Rev. Abraham Brown began his tenure as pastor. He fervently preached the Word and encouraged youth to develop to their full potential. One of his most outstanding contributions to the church and community was his work to establish in Louisa County, The Ministers And Deacons Fellowship Union (now known as The Christian Fellowship Union). The union was designed to provide an opportunity for church members from area churches to worship together. Shortly before his retirement in 1973, it was noted that the wooden church that had served Wayland’s congregation for almost 100 years now needed to be replaced. The body decided to launch forward in building mode.
When Dr. George McLaughlin began his tenure as pastor in 1973, he was faced with the task of building the new church and leading the congregation spiritually. Within one year the sanctuary was in use but much work was to be done later. The outside cinderblock walls were originally stuccoed and several years later were covered with brick. In the years to follow stained glass windows were installed in the pulpit, the room to house the baptistery was constructed, a handicapped restroom was installed in the vestibule and sidewalks and handicapped ramp installed. Major improvements in the cemetery were made as well as pavement of the parking lot. As we moved ahead a motto, “Enter to Worship Depart to Serve” was adopted. This served as a statement of our commitment to live a Christian life style in and outside of the church.
Although the body was deeply involved in building the sanctuary, the spiritual activities flourished, moving quickly from meeting once per month for worship service to meeting four Sundays per month. Sunday School for children and adults was conducted and a youth choir was established. Completion of high school and college was encouraged along with creation of a scholarship fund. Black history was emphasized in hope that Blacks would learn to have more respect for themselves and others. Active support of the UNCF (which regularly gave our youth the opportunity to make presentations during the annual telethon which aired on local television stations), NAACP, the Alliance of Black Churches, voting and voter registration, The Ministers and Deacons Union, the Food Pantry and Santa Fund were also among the outreach programs.
Before his retirement in 2002, after serving 28 years, Dr. George McLaughlin presented Reverend Frances Lewis to the congregation as his successor. The church approved and Reverend Lewis became our next pastor. Reverend Frances Lewis was the first woman to serve as pastor. Her tenure was eleven years, 2002 to 2013. She worked vigorously to make Sunday School and Thursday night Bible Study available to the church and community. She preached the Word and led the congregation in various activities such as participation in Louisa County & Vicinity Ministers Conference, a Women’s Retreat, and started observance of Family and Friends Day. Her work on the physical structure included the erection of the steeple, upgrading of the lighting, replacement of the heating and cooling systems, painting of the sanctuary, replacement of front doors and recarpeting the sanctuary.
Reverend Leroy Mashore was installed as pastor in November 2016 and has enthusiastically preached the Gospel. Under his leadership several structural enhancements have been made including the addition of a new sidewalk and ramp to access the building. And the major project of having our sanctuary floor reinforced was completed in the last quarter of 2017. Also, under Pastor Mashore’s direction, in Spring 2018 Wayland licensed its first Minister, Carla J. Scott, to preach the Gospel.
From the bush arbor, to the little wooden church to the modern brick structure with cushioned pews, God has blessed us to the time of this record in the year of two thousand eighteen. We thank God for his presence in the hearts and minds of all who helped us to reach this point. We look to the future with faith knowing that WITHOUT GOD, WE CAN DO NOTHING.