History
Norwoodville Baptist Church has an amazing heritage, and it would be impossible to recount all that God has done. The following is only a brief snapshot view of the church’s earliest days. We praise God for what He has done in the past, and we expectantly look to Him for what He will yet do in the future!
The founding of our church in 1937 may be traced to the common burden of three men—Edd Lemke, Lonnie Pike, and Gerald Ogden. These three men bought a tent for $15 and erected it on the northwest corner of 29th and Broadway on the Norwoodville School grounds. Grandview Baptist Church, where Edd and Gerald were members, loaned the seats. Services began with Edd leading the songs, Lonnie supplying the specials, and Gerald bringing the messages. A young lady, Violet Dameron, from Grandview Baptist Church came each evening to play the piano. Many people were afraid to attend the revival because of threats against the services. Yet they continued for five weeks, and souls were saved.
Following this tent revival, an empty house with a store front was rented. During those days, there was never a dull moment. Rocks were thrown at the building during the services. The church building was vandalized inside, and even the keys of the piano were painted out of spite. In order to have worship services, it was necessary to have police protection.
When the current church property was purchased, an old house first had to be dismantled before a 40’ x 60’ “tabernacle” was built. All the construction was done on a volunteer basis. Initially, the building was without any floor, without any ceiling, and without any windows. Instead of windows, there were openings that could be opened or closed with boards. A wood and coal furnace was placed under the platform.
As the ceiling of the building began to be installed, opposition against the church continued to mount. There were numerous threats that the church would be burned. One Sunday night following the service, after everyone had gone, the church received the word that their building was on fire. Since it was covered with tar paper, there was a large fire. The next day as the women sorted through the ashes, all that could be found was a sheet from one of the hymnbooks. The hymn was “Stand Up For Jesus.”
Though their building was nothing more than ashes, the men and women of the church refused to give up. A couple volunteered the use of their basement until the building was rebuilt. The year was about 1942, materials were scarce, and money was lacking. The church decided to start with a basement, and then erect a sanctuary later. Brother Fred Meister contacted a crew of block layers to lay the basement walls. They donated their labor and the work was done on a Saturday. The men of the church followed with the roofing project. A platform was built, electricity was installed, and seats were obtained.
The first service in the new basement was held on Easter Sunday, 1942. Approximately two hundred people were in attendance. As time progressed, ceiling tile was added, and then the floor and the rest of the church building was constructed.
As the years passed, God continued to faithfully bless the ministry of Norwoodville Baptist Church. Today we seek to continue the work that began with a common burden and a $15 tent. We eagerly anticipate what God has for this church in the days ahead!