What began as a small Sunday school in 1859 has blossomed into the Pillar Church of Woodlawn. This church has a rich history rooted in faith and community. Let’s step back in time and explore its fascinating journey.
In 1850 John and Rachel Mason purchased Woodlawn Mansion. Both were devout Baptists. Nine years later the Masons started a Sunday school at Woodlawn Plantation. This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would become the Pillar Church of Woodlawn.
In 1868 the Woodlawn Baptist Church was established. It was welcomed into the Potomac Association of Southern Baptists. Early members likely gathered in the Woodlawn Mansion’s parlor. They waited for a permanent sanctuary.
Otis Mason the son of John and Rachel donated land in 1872. This allowed the church to build its first meeting house. From 1872 to 1876 Otis preached. Then Reverend Samuel Chapman became the pastor. Chapman a member of the 43rd Battalion Virginia Cavalry served from 1876 to 1878. He was also known as Mosby’s Fighting Parson.
From 1876 through the 1940s the Woodlawn Baptist Church expanded. The Mount Vernon and Fort Belvoir area developed. The church added a basement a belfry and an education building with a baptistery. By 1969 church membership had grown to 394.
The growing congregation needed a larger space. In 1962 Woodlawn Baptist Church sought to replace the original meeting house. They expanded their property into Fort Belvoir. With the help of Congressman Joel T Broyhill Senator A Willis Robertson and Senator Harry F Byrd Sr the church acquired three acres from the US Army. President Lyndon Johnson signed House Resolution 11064 into law on August 14 1964. The church purchased the land for about $12000. Construction began in May 1969. The first worship service was held in the Fellowship Hall on December 25 1969.
In 1996 a new sanctuary was built. It was completed in April 1997. The Pillar Church of Woodlawn also has a historic cemetery. It is part of the Woodlawn Historic District in Alexandria VA. The cemetery is in the process of being added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The cemetery began in the 1870s shortly after the original church was built. A 2012 survey found 177 burials. The cemetery was a final resting place for those unable to afford a grave. Most buried there are extended members of the Mason family. They were once members of Woodlawn Baptist Church. In April 2000 Woodlawn Baptist Church officially closed the cemetery. Today Pillar Church of Woodlawn maintains it.
In late 2008 Woodlawn called Travis Hilton to serve as pastor. During his tenure from 2008 to 2014 he revitalized the church. He aimed to make it a bolder witness for Christ.
In late 2014 the remaining members of Woodlawn Baptist voted to disband. They turned over church assets to Pillar Church of Dumfries. This was to plant a new church near Ft Belvoir.
In September 2015 Pillar Church of Woodlawn began holding Sunday morning worship services. On September 11 2016 members covenanted together. They committed to knowing Jesus and making Him known.
Today Pillar Church of Woodlawn continues to spread the Gospel. It supports missions in North America and internationally. It is part of The Praetorian Project a network of Gospel centered churches near military installations worldwide.
The Pillar Church of Woodlawn stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. From its humble beginnings to its present day mission it remains a beacon of hope and a place where people can connect with Jesus and each other. Its history is a reminder that even the smallest seeds of faith can grow into something extraordinary.