“Imagine a seed planted in Roberts woods.” That tiny seed grew into ValleyView Baptist Church. Its story is one of faith and community. It started with a simple desire to share God’s word.
In the summer of 1938, Mrs. Lula Tyree felt a calling. She wanted to start a Sunday School. She shared this with her friend Mrs. Annie Quillen. Together, they launched their first Sunday School in August. Five adults and twelve children attended.
Across from Mrs. Quillen’s house stood a large oak tree. It was on Maurice and Kathryn Roberts’ property. This very spot is where ValleyView Baptist Church stands today.
Bro Raleigh Cardwell preached the first sermon in “Roberts woods.” Early on, many traveling pastors shared messages here. In 1940, Rev. Knipp began serving Valley View.
Mrs. Tyree urged the church to organize as a Baptist congregation. It included Baptists, Lutherans, Nazarenes, and Methodists. Representatives from local Baptist churches approved this new congregation. ValleyView was becoming official.
A small white building was completed. It measured 20 by 40 feet. Later, a basement was added. Rev. Moody served Valley View from 1941 to 1944. He later became a well-known Professor of Theology.
Valley View was committed to outreach. They did door-to-door visits. They had a bus ministry and revival services. By 1944, the church had over 200 members. Rev. Anderson and Rev. Segers followed as pastors.
Rev. Case served from 1949 to 1955. Under his leadership, the church reached out to Waverly Hills patients. They started a recreation program. The church grew so much that children’s groups moved to rented houses. A brick building, now part of the children’s area, was built.
More pastors came and went. Rev. Jones served from 1963 to 1973. Under his leadership, the church grew to over 600 people. In 1967, the church moved into a new Sanctuary. Today, it houses the church offices, chapel, and attic.
In 1979, the family life building was built. It offered the first recreation facility of its kind in the area. In 1984, they broke ground on the existing worship center. The first service was held on December 15, 1985.
ValleyView’s Women’s Ministry launched in 1986. It included Bible study, crafts, and fellowship. Rev. Trunnell served from 1989 to 1996. In 1990, the “Jubilee” Offering Celebration took place. The congregation invested $40,000 and gave it back for God’s glory.
The Awana Ministry launched in 1994. It remains a flagship ministry today. Pastor Kevin Hamm served from 1997 to 2006. The church grew to almost 2,400 people. In 1999, they purchased property for the Dare to Care House.
In 2009, the Homeless Ministry began. It started with a shipment of men’s socks. It now serves meals at several sites every Monday. In 2013, Valley View became a food distribution site.
Pastor Brian Stone served from 2016 to 2020. In 2017, the Worship Center was updated. In 2021, John C. Major became Senior Pastor.
In 2023, the Fellowship Hall was renovated. It was renamed the “Larry and Sharlett Peercy Hall.” This recognized their faithful service. From a humble Sunday school to a thriving community, ValleyView Baptist Church continues to grow. Its history is a testament to faith and service.