1926
How it all began
In the summer of 1926, residents accustomed to regular worship began to gather in the old Sandston Elementary School, preaching being conducted by ministers from Richmond and other surrounding areas.
“WHEREAS, IT APPEARS TO US THAT THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR A BAPTIST CHURCH IN THIS LOCALITY AND AFTER MUCH PRAYER AND CONSULTATION WITH OTHER MINISTERS AND NEIGHBORING BRETHREN, WE DO NOW ENTER UPON THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SANDSTON BAPTIST CHURCH BY THE ADOPTION OF OUR CHURCH COVENANT; thus reads the first paragraph of the document signed by the forty-one charter members on September 26, 1926.
Sandston’s First Pastor
God placed a burden for Sandston upon the heart of L. Carlton Crump, a ministerial student at the University of Richmond. He met with Baptist leaders in Richmond and Baptist residents in Sandston; and after the establishment of Sandston Baptist Church, he became their first pastor. Sandston Baptist Church continued to worship in the school building; and in 1928, two lots on Pickett Avenue were purchased for a permanent church site.
1928
1929-31
Basement Addition
Reverend Silas “Samuel” D. Weeks was led to become pastor in July 1929; and through his leadership, sufficient funds were raised to begin the construction of the basement of the building on Pickett Avenue to be used for worship and education. In October 1931, this work was completed.
The Great Depression
Reverend Burton P. Nuckols was called as pastor in June 1932 and served until July 1935. Progress of the church was at a virtual standstill because of the $2,000 debt amidst the Great Depression.
1932-35
1936-38
World War II
Reverend George H. Lawrence became pastor in February 1936. After the mortgage note-burning in 1938, plans were made to build a sanctuary above the basement building. However, these plans were laid aside with the beginning of World War II.
Sandston’s First Parsonage
In November 1946, Reverend Paul G. Wiley began his pastorate. Reverend Wiley became the first pastor of Sandston Baptist Church to live in a home provided by the church. The parsonage at 4 Kemper Court was purchased for $5,000.
1946
1948-49
The Sanctuary
In 1948, plans were revived for the completion of the sanctuary over the basement. Ground was broken and the building completed in 1949. The church was fully organized with regular Sunday School, an active missionary organization with auxiliaries, and well-attended worship services. With a charter membership of forty-one in 1926, the church had grown to a membership of over three hundred.
Educational Building
Reverend C. Bailey Jones became pastor in September 1951 and in 1956 the church employed an architect to submit plans for an educational building. Construction on the educational building was completed in July 1958.
In July 1958 the church called Reverend Thomas H. Hubbard as pastor and in June 1959 Reverend Kenneth B. Bryan became the church’s eighth pastor. In June 1969 the church called the Reverend W. James Lowder.
1951-69
1972-73
The Bosher-Gray Building
On July 26, 1972, the church instructed the Building Committee to proceed with plans for a multipurpose facility. Ground was broken in December 1972 with completion in the fall of 1973. The building was given the name Bosher-Gray building in memory of Robbie Bosher and Bruce Gray, two of the church’s outstanding young men who were tragically killed in an automobile accident in June 1973.
Lowder to Heilman
Reverend Lowder retired from the pastorate on March 1, 1990, having faithfully served the church as pastor over twenty years. He was elected pastor emeritus by the congregation and God’s choice for the next pastor was Reverend L. Karl Heilman, who began his ministry on April 1, 1991.
1990-91
1994-95
The New Sanctuary
Through God’s blessings and members’ leadership and commitment to expanding its mission in Sandston, plans were made to build a new sanctuary. On Sunday, August 28, 1994, a ground-breaking service was held. The sanctuary construction was completed in 1995.
Dual Services
Attendance continued to grow through the years. On October 5, 2003, two services were established. The 8:30 service was lead with contemporary music and the 10:30 service was lead with traditional music. Sunday School was held at 9:30 a.m.
2003
2015
The Youth House
Needing more space for Sunday School and education, the Youth began to utilize the house at 12 Pickett Avenue in 2015 which the church had purchased previously. The Youth renovated the house and it is now known as the “Youth House” and is a place for them to meet and learn God’s word.
COVID-19 Pandemic
In March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a streaming ministry began. Through technology, the church is able to livestream our services for members and all who want to tune in or watch previously recorded services.
2020
2023
Combined Service
In June of 2023, a change in worship services was established. Today we have one 9:00 a.m. service with both contemporary and traditional music followed by Sunday School at 10:15 a.m.
L. Karl Heilman retires
After 33 years of faithful service, Reverend L. Karl Heilman retired on April 30, 2024. Karl became our longest serving pastor.
2024
Today
Pastor Search Committee
Today the Holy Spirit continues to work throughout our church. As our pastor search committee works to fill our staff vacancy, we know God has already selected our next pastor.