WHO ARE WE?

This church actively and voluntarily is affiliated with and supports the programs of:

• Henry County Baptist Association

• Baptist General Association of Virginia 

• Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

• Southern Baptist Convention

We also work in cooperation with churches of other denominations, especially those located within our local community. 

OUR DOCTRINAL STATEMENT

This church accepts the Bible as the inspired record of God's revelation of Himself through people to people.  We receive it as our authority in matters of faith and practice.  We believe in God, the Father Almighty; in Jesus Christ, His Son; and in the Holy Spirit, our Divine Comforter.  We acknowledge Baptism and the Lord's Supper as the ordinances of this Church.

OUR PURPOSE

• To provide opportunity for the worship of Almighty God

• To use the resources available to us to make known the Gospel. of Jesus Christ and to share Christ with as many people as possible in our Church community and throughout the world so that they shall trust Him as Savior and yield to Him as Lord

• To develop and equip our members to become mature and responsible Christians in personal and social living

*****

PBBC Transition Team

WHO WE ARE CALLED TO BE

From the Transition Team:

This report and the one given in November has been a long and major task for the team about the life and vision of the future at PBBC. Quoting from the book used in our study TEMPORARY SHEPHERDS (The Alban Institute), “Our Christian faith places the resurrection of Jesus Christ at the center of the church’s life, reminding us that God’s power is always at work in transforming the church God has called into being. The apostle Paul reminds us that in Christ all things are made new (2 Cor. 5:1-7). Responding to God’s love in Word and Sacrament, the transitional team helps generate a spirit of hope and anticipation as the congregation moves into new directions of mission and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.”

I. OUR IDENTITY

      We at Pocahontas Bassett Baptist church are a moderate, open-minded family of mission-oriented believers.

A. OUR CALLING - -- To reach people with the news of salvation by living and teaching about God’s gift--our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

B. OUR VISION - - To pursue and fulfill our calling through the following objectives:

(a) provide opportunities to reach all levels of spiritual needs.

(b) provide community support through benevolent programs by becoming aware of existing needs.

(c) network with other mission-minded groups.

(d) support local and global missions.

(e) provide a safe haven for people in need.

II. RELATIONSHIPS

Across the years this church has developed strong relationships with other Baptist bodies. We relate to moderate traditional Baptist groups with similar callings. Presently, these groups are locally, the Henry County Baptist Association; at the state level, the Baptist General Association of Virginia; and nationally, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and the Southern Baptist Convention (in a small way); and globally with the Baptist World Alliance.
These relationships are voluntary and mutual. It is our belief that through our cooperative efforts, we will strengthen our witness and build up the Kingdom of God around the world.
We believe that every human being is capable of sorting out his or her personal relationship with God. However, we believe that we should pursue all avenues of spiritual leadership and educational development.

Regarding interpersonal relationships in the church, we determined:

a.       The Sunday morning worship service is a very important time to renew relationships.

b. We must be good listeners in order to recognize conflicts before they are out of control.

c. Our relationships with each other must be based on Christian love.

d. Strengthen personal relationships with one another.

III. LEADERSHIP AND DECISION MAKING

Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church is a congregational governing body. Leadership has always been with the Board of Deacons who act on behalf of their respective church families. The church has an organizational chart, a constitution, and a policies and procedures manual, all of which are updated periodically. A handbook to guide committees is also in place and when changes or decisions are made, they are taken through the committee, to the Board of Deacons, and to the business meeting, which is held quarterly. Special business meetings are called as necessary.
Standing committees are Church Properties, Nominating, Personnel, and Stewardship. Other committees to meet special or temporary needs may be elected by the church and shall exist only so long as needed.

IV. FUTURE

1. Where do we want to be in five years? To reach the unchurched having enough active members to support the Sunday school,   youth activities, missions and worship services.

2. What is God calling us to do? God is calling us to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ by all avenues available to us.

3. What does our building say to our visitors? It is important to maintain a beautiful structure for worship.

 4. How do we reach people in need? Continue mission programs such as movies, shawl ministry, and special benefits for those in need.

5. How do we address change? We must be receptive to change while staying true to our calling.

6. How can we address the needs of new members? Develop orientation and discipleship training for new members by emphasizing what your church can do for its members and what the church expects of its members.

 

WHO WE HAVE BEEN

Welcome and Thank you for attending the first church wide Transition Team Forum. This meeting will cover the history of Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church. Future meetings will cover: examine leadership and decision-making, denominational relations, clarifying identity, and commitment to new leadership. Our T Team includes, Mary Garvin, Shirley Eanes, Phyllis Pegram, Carolyn Eggleston, Galilee Clark, Dot Waleski, Merle White, Mike Belton, Paul Ross, and Charles Anthony. The purpose of TT is to prepare PBBC for a new pastor. In doing this we have met weekly for the past 7 ½ months. Richard Hanks has led us weekly beginning with Bible study and prayer and followed by a discussion of the history of PBBC. Our mission—Church programs— accomplishments—and areas that are in need of improvement. Richard ha successfully guided us in a non-biased capacity. His support, leadership, and encouragement have been of tremendous valve to each of us.

Following the presentation, there will be time for questions. Please hold all questions until then.

Rev. Richard Hanks came to our church to serve as Intentional Interim Pastor on February 6 of this year. He helped to form a transitional team with whom he would meet weekly with the task of preparing the team and, in turn, the congregation for the calling of a new pastor.

He began the task by leading in a comprehensive study of the history of our church in hopes that the committee would answer the following questions:

1. What did each pastor do to further the work of the Lord?

2. Why did each pastor leave this pastorate?
3. Where does the church want to go now?

A great deal has been learned form our own history. We learned that each pastor had his own expertise to guide us.

In 1940, Mrs. Pocahontas Bassett felt there was much interest in organizing another Baptist Church to serve our community: her husband, most enthused by the idea, offered to give the land between his home and his brother-in-law’s in order to further the cause. There was indeed much interest, and a more moderate church was organized with 138 charter members. Sixteen of these members are still living. We began our ministry with a group of like-minded people who were deeply interested in mission work. The first service was held in the newly built church on December 7, 194 1—with a debt of $1.00.

The church was organized with the following mission:

 

The purpose of this body shall be to provide an opportunity for the worship of Almighty God: to use the resources available to us to make known the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world so that they shall trust Him as Savior and yield to Him as Lord: and to develop and equip our members to become mature and responsible Christians in personal and social living.

Dr. Joseph Johnson graciously accepted the call to be our first pastor. He helped grow our membership more than 100% to 309 on our 10th anniversary, and in 1947, led our church to give $19,707 to missions. The Ladies Parlor was completed and decorated in 1947 by Mrs. Gladys Bassett. We are grateful for Dr. Johnson’s untiring and inspiring leadership. Perhaps the most important thing for us to remember was the origin of our church and the beginning of a strong foundation. His tenure of 12 years ended in 1953 when he resigned to become chaplain at the Virginia Baptist Hospital in Lynchburg, VA.

Dr. George Stevens came to us in 1954. Notable occurrences during his pastorate included a revived training program that shared Christ with all that would partake, the organization of a Brotherhood, and the remodeling of the educational building. Sunday School was a great success under the leadership of Lillie McGraw with an impressive enrollment of 373. These resources all supported our mission by providing opportunities for worship and fellowship. After nine years of service Dr. Stevens retired to his farm in Troutville, VA.

Dr. William Hales came to Pocahontas in 1963. At this time, Mr. J. D. Bassett revised his will to donate his home and land to the church at his death. The home was torn down and the garage was converted into ‘Our Place” for the youth. Air conditioning and new carpet were installed in the church. The Chrismon tree was constructed under the guidance of Mrs. Pauline Wells. A kindergarten program was established which Mrs. Estelle Craig taught for 16 years. A memorial scholarship fund was created in memory of Grayson Prillaman. During this time period, the church sponsored a Cuban refugee family. They proved to be dedicated members and after moving to Texas the two children excelled—one becoming a doctor and one a teacher. VBS was begun in South Bassett led by Reva Prillaman and Pauline Wells and a GED program was established. The church was trying to reach as many in our community as we could. In 1972 Dr. Hales resigned to go into training to Clinical Pastoral Education at Virginia Baptist Hospital at Lynchburg.

Dr. Charles Page came to us in 1972. His short tenure produced an extensive youth program, new basketball and tennis courts were built and the purchase of a bus. We had always had very active Sunbeam, G. A., R. A., and YWA programs and the W. M. U. had as many as seven circles. A tape ministry was started to bring the worship service to shut-ins. We have been very fortunate to have resources to make these programs possible for members of our church and community. Dr. Page only remained two years before accepting a call to a church in Greensboro, N. C.

Dr. Earl Calvert began his ministry with us in 1975. His tenure marked the sale of our parsonage, as Dr. Calvert preferred to buy a home. A new study was built for the pastor and the secretary’s office was remodeled. The Dillon Scholarship was established at the death of Mrs. Betty Dillon to help our college students. Mrs. Gladys Bassett instituted a fund for emergency repairs to the church property, and it proved good timing as it was found that the balcony needed reinforcing. Our youth and music programs flourished under the direction of Bob Chambers and Ken Richardson. Dr. Calvert’s tenure helped us focus on worship and praise to God. He resigned in 1983 and continued his ministry in Bristol, Tenn.

In 1984, Rev. Dale Ashley came to lead our church. The kindergarten was converted to a preschool with Judy Ashley, as it’s first teacher. After 42 years of faithful service, Susan Armstrong retired as organist and was named Organist Emeritus. She and her husband, Bob, graciously donated a new grand piano for the sanctuary.

 
The church constitution was revised to show our progress, and women were allowed to serve as deacons. Mrs. Joan Bing was the first woman deacon. In order that we might better accommodate our members, a handicap ramp was installed. The Fellowship Hall was renovated to include classrooms. The Lucy Bassett Family  donated an elevator for the church. The Food Pantry thrived and served the less fortunate in our community. The multi-talented George Heam came to us in 1989 and Betty Wright came to lead our youth program. Spencer and Mary Elizabeth Morten donated the first computer system for the church. It was announced at our 5O reunion celebration that Kathryn Bassett and Mary Elizabeth Morten were donating a new organ for the church. Our 50th celebration was a real milestone—460 were in attendance. Rev. Ashley was with us for 10 years before resigning to go to Mt. Olivet in the Dover Association.

Dr. Malcolm Huckabee came to us as an interim in 1999 and then accepted the pastorate and remained until 2003. During this time the church knew a time of quiet growth and stability.

Rev. Keith Reynolds and his family joined us in 2003. AWANA’s, a much-needed program for children was begun and was very successful for two years. A program to reach out to members and the community was the Faith Kitchen, which served meals biweekly to the sick and elderly. Women On Missions, a young women’s mission group sponsored numerous community service projects. Our Place was offered as a sanctuary for the AA meetings. A Thursday afternoon service was begun in an attempt to reach people who were not able to attend Sunday Services. Rev. Reynolds resigned after three years of service.

During the history of our church a number of young adults have responded to God’s call to Christian vocations. It is an honor to be a part of their history and have them a part of ours. Among those called are: Rolen Bailey, Kathryn Bailey Bradley, J. Danny Stevens, Mary Frances Prillaman Bailey, Katie Grogan Henderson, Jerry Benfield, Carol Anthony Reich, Neil Maxey, Susan Legard Maxey, Douglas Ramsey, Ken and Deborah Richardson, Kevin Rogers, Luther and Loretta Williams, George Hearn and Bob Chambers.

Most churches experience a certain amount of anxiety as pastors come and go. We are no exception. We feel that these difficult times define who we are and will make us a stronger church. After the learning curve that we faced within the church upon Rev. Reynolds resignation, it was proposed to the church to follow the Intentional Interim Program. We are fortunate to have Pastor Hanks’ leadership and insight. We hope that this report helps us to understand where we came from and how that affects where we are going.

Spirituality
(As it relates to Fellowship, Faith, Prayers, and Evangelism)

How do you determine the spirituality of a church covering a 60-year period? Would your assessment be fair? Perhaps only God truly knows the spiritual level of a church and each member at any time.

Our recorded words are quite general and without names, faces and specific events seem rather significant. Those who have gone before us have practiced and revealed to all what it means to be a fellowship of believers who prayerfully worshiped and experienced their faith growing to the point where they had to share it with others. So must we.

In Galatians 5:22-23 the 9 little words used to describe the Fruit of the Spirit are: LOVE, JOY, PEACE. LONGSUFFERING. GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEKNESS, TEMPERANCE. This fruit in our lives is evidence of the Holy Spirit. These are character traits belonging to the nature of Christ and they are by-products in our lives when we are Christ-controlled. The 9 characteristics were quite evident in the lives of many past members of PBBC and are today. While examining the history of PBBC, we found that the Holy Spirit was moving in many areas of the church as members were seeking and doing God’s will. Sunday School, Mission Organizations. and Graded Choirs are examples of this.

The fellowship throughout PBBC’s history has been rich and loving. The atmosphere was such that young and old, rich, poor and in-between could come together in worship and maintain that fellowship while serving God. Children were accepted, respected. loved and appreciated. Thus, leaders, older folk and children enjoyed each other in the presence of God.

PBBC provided a time and place to show respect, devotion, honor, and adoration toward God. The 11:00 a.m. worship service has always been traditional and somewhat formal. Members felt that a sanctuary should be a place where you came out of everyday world and its problems to seek God’s face, His will, and experience renewal.

 
During the early years of this church, especially during WWII, faith grew greatly as life and death experiences tested a young congregation. Faith played a crucial role in the success of PBBC as it reached out into the community and beyond to meet needs. Faith enabled members to go and do when they could not see how it was possible.

Prayer is the key in any church or individual life. PBBC has always had prayer warriors. Prayer preceded planning as well as the implementation of programs. Prayer preceded the carrying out of mission projects and decision-making. Our history shows that former pastors often stressed (taught classes/and preached) that prayer was essential in seeking and following God’s will in our lives and in the church. The one notable blip in our past has been that members took to heart the biblical teaching concerning going into your closet to pray. Humorous stories abound concerning the reluctance to being called upon to pray in public.

Evangelism in reaching out with God’s good news. Our Church history is rich with examples of our reaching out to those in need. We have supplied food, clothing, shelter, support and friendship to those around us who are hurting. Local, state, and foreign mission programs have been generously supported.

Throughout the history of PBBC children and youth programs have been joyfully supported. The results of some of these programs are evident, as we’ve seen them mature into Christian men and women. Some have entered mission fields, ministry and other church related vocations.

Spiritually, PBBC has been a rather small (compared to today’s mega churches) but vibrant part of the Lord’s Army with perhaps a greater influence than we know.

PBBC has been referred to as a “rich church” financially. Perhaps one reason for this is the fact that when the church was established in 1941, the tract of land on which it sits was given to the church by the Bassett family for $1, and the sanctuary was free of debt when the first service was held on December 7, 1941. We have learned that this is a “blessing” to the church rather than a “hindrance.” This church has been most fortunate in the past and present to have had so many faithful and generous “givers.” Its trustees, stewardship committees, treasurers, financial secretaries, and deacons have been good stewards with the finances. Our church is known and respected in the community, the Henry County Baptist Association, and the Baptist General Association of Virginia for its financial support of all types of missions.

Since its beginning, various people in the church and/or community have seen fit to establish designated funds. A brief description of these with the date of its establishment of funding are as follows:

1960’s  Georgia Witt Trust (income to be used as needed)

1966     J. D. Bassett, Jr., Fund - capital fund for building purposes (income and capital have been used in the past)

1969     Memorial Education Scholarship Fund - established in memory of Grayson Prillaman for scholarships. (the Dillon Scholarship Fund Committee oversees this fund)

1974     Parsonage Fund (used once as interest-free loan to incoming pastor)

1981     Gladys C. Bassett Fund - income to be used for maintenance of church property

1981    John Benton Dillon and Betty Davidson Dillon Scholarship Fund - income to be used for scholarships

 

1994    Anne Bassett Stanley Memorial Fund for Young People (to be used for programs at the church for children and youth)

 

1995    Mission and Ministry Endowment Fund - income to replace, in some measure, offerings from deceased members (to be used as needed for budget purposes)

 

1997    M. E. Morten Fund (to supplement staff salaries when needed)

2003    Lucy Bassett Fund - for capital expenditures - could use principal

In addition to those above, the church has received funds for benevolent use from the estate of Mrs. Virginia Sale’s trust fund.

In studying “Coming to Terms With Our History”, the Transitional team learned that our church along with other traditional churches like ours, has been in a stage of change since about 1984; noting that in an attendance analysis for the years beginning 1980, attendance in Sunday School peaked in the year 1984 with 184 people. These figures decreased annually as did general church attendance. Some of the causes for this were the general economy of our area with fewer people moving into the area, and membership deletions because of death, and members leaving the area; plus we have many resident and non-resident members who do not move their membership and do not support the church with their presence, participation and/or their giving. It was pointed out in our discussion that today, parents “shop” churches to meet the needs of their children.

PBBC has been fortunate to have the financial resources to continue our programs at a time when we are unable to meet our proposed budgets; and, it was noted by our intentional interim pastor, that our church is to be commended in the fact that it tithed 12 percent of its budget for missions. While there is no “quick fix” to meeting this budget in a short period of time, the committee is confident that once we have a pastor on board, our numbers will increase as will our faithful giving whereby we can support old and/or new programs for which PBBC has been accustomed.

The Transition Team of Pocahontas Bassett Baptist Church met on Wednesday, November 11, at the church with the Reverend Richard Hanks presiding. Bible study was from Psalms 51, vv 10-12, and verse 17 followed by individual prayers. Absent were Carolyn Eggleston, Mary Garvin, and Merle White.

The team discussed election of a pastor search committee and how they should proceed. Richard announced that the denominational speakers have been scheduled. Mr. Eddie Hunnicutt, Director of Missions. Henry County Baptist Association will speak with us on Wednesday. December 7; and then on December 14, two representatives from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Richmond, will come to speak with the team.

 

Sub-groups then read and the team finalized reports for the churchwide forum scheduled for Sunday, November 20. following the morning worship service. A light lunch will be served.

 

Assignment for November 18 is to write two questions that you hope will be asked at the churchwide forum. Our next phase of study will be Leadership and Decision Making.

 

Merle H. ‘White, Recorder
(from notes by Dot Waleski)

The T-Team is a functioning committee with the capacity to comfortably discuss issues that pertain to the church. We plan to work with the search committee as they prepare for their search for a new pastor.

The PBBC TT recommends the church begin its nomination process for a pastor search committee, in hopes that it would become active by February 1, 2006. It is our prayer that thru the examining of our history we could become an even stronger force in the Bassett community.