Grandview Baptist Church – The Church Journey

by D.C. Martin · Published December 10, 2020 · Updated December 10, 2020

December 10, 2020 http://mynetzone.com/

I had the privilege to visit Grandview Baptist Church The church started back on December 29, 1940, a small group of people with great faith met in the Union School House to organize a church. An inspiring message was brought by Rev. John O. Hood. His text was found in Matthew 16:18 and read, “…and I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” After this message, reasons for the organization of a Baptist church were given by Albert Morris, Mrs. Lillian B. Steele and Charles Lowe. Initially there were 16 members that came into the church by letter and 7 presented themselves for baptism. A motion was made and accepted that the church be named Grandview. [1]

During the first year a building lot was purchased, a basement dug and the church called its first pastor, Rev. W. F. Hall. Their vision had become a reality. In 1942, after holding services in Union School for two years, the first worship service was held in the new sanctuary. A piano, pews and furnace were purchased during that year. By 1945 the church was debt free and plans were made for a pastorium. However, on December 16, 1945, the church building was completely destroyed by fire. First the group met in White’s store building and when it was sold returned again to Union School. Less than two and a half years later, on March 7, 1948, the congregation moved into the rebuilt facility. [1]

Early in 1953, the members envisioned a pastorium on the newly acquired two acres of land adjoining the church property. The first pastorium was completed in the spring of 1955 Improvements to the church building continued as well. In December of 1976, the church voted to purchase a lot in the Oaklawn Subdivision to again build a new pastorium. The home was finished and ready to move into by January, 1978 and is still very beautiful and in use today.

August 1, 1990 the church celebrated 50 years of service to the Lord and His kingdom. The charter members were remembered and those in the service were recognized. Many of the former pastors and music ministers were privileged to participate in the day’s activities. The Tennessee Baptist Convention presented a lovely plaque in honor of the occasion. In the evening service a reenactment of the original service in which Grandview was officially constituted as a church was presented. It was a day of wonderful memories, old and new. {1]

MY JOURNEY:

The story of Grandview Baptist Church is an encouraging story of a group of Christians with a vision that tugged at their hearts to start a new church. As I spent time in prayer and meditation during my visit, I thought about the history of this church. The church has grown over the years even with the challenges of a devastating fire in 1945 that destroyed the church building. The perseverance of the congregation is an example trusting God to guide your Journey.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

I always felt a strong spiritual connection reading stories of a group of Christians with a vision to build a church building to serve as a conduit to reach people with the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is the people that make up the church through the body of Christ. For Grandview Baptist Church the vision that once tugged at the hearts of those first members has been passed on to those of who form its present membership. The people are just the stewards to what God has provided. It is a blessing to be in trusted with the management of what is God’s. I cherish the thought that within the walls of this church building many have made a decision for Christ.

DETAILS:

Church Website: http://www.grandviewbc.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reachingothers1

Date Visited: 2020 December 5

Location: 2208 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN

If you would like to learn more about this church, upcoming events, or listen to a sermon I encourage you to visit the church website listed above.

May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” – (Proverbs 29:18)

Please Pray for all our churches as they continue to face challenges in the year 2020.

May this find you well and happy, God Bless