Serving the Lord since 1876The history of Sharon Baptist Church is rich, beginning in 1876 with a handful of faithful believers in a small log building. This building seated approximately fifty people on split-log benches. For six years the church was known as Union Church and was shared by the Baptists and the Methodist of Bethany community. In 1881 the Methodist discontinued holding services in the building and, upon suggestion of the Baptist pastor, Rev. W. S. Fontaine, the name Sharon was embraced.
By 1938 the membership of the church had grown to 227 and the house was entirely inadequate to the needs of the people. During that year, largely due to the efforts of the pastor, Rev. J. C. Gillespie, a modern brick-veneer building was constructed. The building contained an auditorium that held approximately 400 people. It also included five Sunday school classrooms. The building was equipped with new pews, electric lights, and an adequate heating system. Those charter members had the vision to begin a local church in this community to honor and proclaim our Lord. It is amazing to consider all that has occurred in our community and world since those early beginnings, but through it all the mission of this local assembly has remained constant. That is why we have more than just a rich history at Sharon, but also a great vision for the future. Our community and world continue to change, but the need to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ will never change. That is why we are a mission-minded church that supports the Southern Baptist Convention, the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, and the Dan Valley Baptist Association. It is our desire to fulfill the Great Commission as we proclaim the authoritative Word of God. |
"Old Sharon Church" by Fred Small.
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