“Founded in 1880, Chantilly Baptist Church holds stories within its walls. This church began humbly in a little log schoolhouse. Let’s step back in time and explore its history.
Reverend Marshall D Williams initiated the first service. Imagine that small gathering full of hope. The land where they gathered cost only $100. On July 24 1887 the cornerstone for the first real church was placed. Church members first gathered in the new building on January 19 1889. Reverend Williams served until his illness. The church held a memorial for him in September 1925.
In June 1925 Reverend Daniel Lomax was appointed. During his time a member donated $500 to build a dining room and kitchen. That small white building is now known as the Belle Cook Building. Reverend Lomax served until his death in 1928.
Membership increased steadily. The congregation considered remodeling but decided to build a new church.
Reverend Oliver Hall served from 1928 to 1950. He donated money for the first thousand bricks. After Reverend Hall’s passing in 1950 Reverend George W Martin was called to serve from 1950 to 1954.
The trustees then bought two more acres for a new church and parking. Reverend Robert E McMorris became pastor in April 1954.
Architect J Robert Newman designed a new brick church. This marked a new era for Chantilly Baptist Church. The cornerstone was laid in 1955. Construction finished in 1957. The mortgage was paid off eight years later on April 4 1965.
Reverend Leroy O Payton became pastor in January 1968. He was called in November 1967.
In 1970 Chantilly Baptist Church engaged more with the community. They joined the NAACP. They began participating in Western Fairfax Christian Ministries.
Many improvements were made. A kitchen and dining area were added. There was also a pastor’s study officers’ rooms and restrooms. A baptismal pool air conditioning and a paved parking lot were included.
The church grew in membership. The Board of Christian Education was formed in 1977. Five new choirs began. Several new committees and ministries started including the Missionaries and the Welcome Committee.
Reverend Payton the Deacons and the Trustees planned a new church in 1993. Reverend Payton passed away on September 28 1998.
In October 2000 Reverend Dr Jerry L Bryant became pastor of Chantilly Baptist Church.
The groundbreaking for the current church was on July 20 2002. Pastor Bryant and the Building Committee oversaw planning and construction. The dedication took place on October 11 2003.
Pastor Bryant emphasized biblical teaching and evangelism training.
In 2001 he introduced a formal evangelism curriculum. Many have graduated from the program. Chantilly added new ministries. These included Children’s Church Teen Church Audiovisual and Technology ministry and the Culinary and Breakfast ministry.
In 2009 the FAITH ministry started. It brought together drama dance and mime.
In 2010 the church became involved in global and community outreach. They supported Haiti through Habitat for Humanity. They also supported the Lott Carey Foundation. They implemented community service projects for youth.
In 2011 Chantilly Baptist Church paid off the mortgage on the new building. A mortgage burning celebration was held on September 25 2011.
Ministries continued to grow. A Noon-Day Bible Study started. A young adult choir Visions of Zion was formed.
The Men’s Ministry became the CBC Minutemen. They pledged to be ready for service. The Women’s Ministry became S.I.S. Sisters in Spirit. S.I.S. started a weekly Prayer Call Line.
In 2013 the Missionaries implemented a Tutoring Program. In 2014 they coordinated the first Moneyless Fall Festival. Pastor Bryant retired from the United Negro College Fund Inc. He became Chantilly’s first non bi-vocational pastor.
In 2014 the Deaconess Ministry and Board of Christian Education co-sponsored the first CBC Seder. The Deaconess Ministry began a mentoring program for teen girls.
Chantilly Baptist Church has been blessed through the years. It walks by faith. The church has grown from a little log schoolhouse to the church we see today. Its history is a testament to faith and community.”