Every institution is comprised of people. This is especially true of a church. The church is a body of believers and the body of Christ. Since 1964, Huguenot Road Baptist Church has been a vibrant witness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A brief history of the people called Huguenot Road Baptist Church conveys the passion of our life and work together. The church was birthed because of the vision of the Richmond Baptist Association and a few members from Bon Air Baptist Church. Some perceived the need for a Baptist witness south of Bon Air, so the parcel of land upon which the present buildings rest was purchased. A group from Bon Air Baptist Church sensed God’s call to begin this new work, began meeting in a house on Montieth Road, and called Dr. Russell Wallis as the first minister in 1964.
The initial vision the charter members cast was growth in numbers and in spirit and development of a full range of ministries for the church and the community. When the charter members outgrew the house on Montieth Road, the congregation met at Bon Air Elementary School for more than a year. The first building (the Wallis Building) was occupied in May of 1967. Our church is deeply grateful to Virginia Baptists and other local congregations that helped the first building become a reality.
Dr. Wallis provided excellent leadership for the fledgling congregation by giving clear and firm direction and displaying excellent biblical scholarship. His commitment and standards are infused into the church’s fabric.
A term frequently used to describe the genesis of the congregation is sacrifice. Many sacrificed time and financial resources to ensure the success of HRBC. There was excitement about beginning something new, and the church grew and matured as a result of its contagious spirit.
Creative and energetic leadership marked the ministry of Dr. Tim Dixon (1968-1975). During his tenure, youth and children’s ministries expanded, written communication with the congregation was enhanced and staffing began. Faith deepened and strengthened during these years.
Dr. Bob Teems (1975-1979) brought energy and enlistment skills to HRBC. The congregation experienced the greatest period of membership expansion as a result of his outgoing leadership and focus on outreach and evangelism. The church’s commitment to build an educational building and gymnasium before erecting a new sanctuary proved the congregation’s commitment to young families.
Consolidation is the word typically used to describe the church during Dr. Ray Pollard’s ministry (1980-1988). The church continued to grow quickly and people required assimilation. To accommodate growing attendance, worship services moved into the gym until a new sanctuary could be built in 1986. Mid-week ministries grew and the ministerial staff expanded.
The ministry of Dr. Charles Chandler (1989-1993) focused on administrative detail. During his tenure, the church completed several initiatives including improvements to the facilities. During this time the church engaged in an intensive period of soul searching about the future of the congregation and the type of leadership necessary to move forward.
The church became clear about its identity and strengths in the interim period following Dr. Chandler’s resignation. During this important time without a pastor, the church found new vision, crafted new governing documents, and gained spiritual momentum. This period of assessment laid the foundation for the call of Dr. Bert Browning on May 1, 1995.
Dr. Browning’s humble leadership and gifted preaching guided the congregation toward needed changes. Focus on making disciples led the congregation to serious consideration of its spiritual growth through small groups and other educational experiences. Ministries expanded, and the ministerial staff grew to six. New ministries to youth and children were implemented. The chapel was converted into flexible space and offices. The music ministry enlarged to include new choirs, ensembles, and an orchestra. The congregation’s understanding of biblical stewardship grew, as did the annual budget, and the $1.6 million indebtedness on the sanctuary was paid off in 2006. Ministries to and with senior adults continue to expand.
HRBC’s began a spiritual strategic journey in the fall of 2004 with prayer and listening to God and one another. As a result of this journey, HRBC now has greater clarity about where God’s intended future for the congregation. Two noteworthy by-products of our spiritual journey are the formation of a new Mission Strategy Team in 2006 to help us become more missional and the start of a second worship service (contemporary in style) in 2007 to help us reach new people. The number of members participating in short-term mission experiences at home and abroad increased significantly. The congregation initiated new partnerships with ministries like Congregations Around Richmond Involved to Assure Shelter; Bland County Ministry Center; Port Sulphur, Louisiana recovery efforts; Hyaets ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina; nursing homes/assisted living facilities; and many others.
God continues to richly bless the people called Huguenot Road Baptist Church. We continue to build upon the rich heritage of those who have gone before, and we constantly strive to become the best church we can be for the glory of God. Our future together is bright as we discern and submit to God’s leadership and invest our gifts, passions and energy in ministry, missions, and the proclamation of Jesus Christ.