Daniels, WV25832
(304) 252-0950
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Daniels Bible Church History |
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Originally organized as the Daniels Community Church, the church consisted of three different faiths—Church of Christ (or Christian Church), the Regular Baptist, and the M. E. Church South. These congregations worshiped in the wooden church building, which was built prior to the year 1888. On August 11, 1888, the property on which the building was located was deeded to three denominations by Dr. John S. Lewis and Mary S. Lewis. Throughout the years, many different pastors came to lead the congregation for a time and then went to other pastorates. Through the 1920's one could pass the small, wooden building under the oak trees along the side of a narrow paved road known as the Giles-Fayette-Kanawha Turnpike, and view many horse-drawn vehicles parked outside the church. Some of these vehicles carried large umbrellas mounted over the seat which could be raised for protection when the sun or rain came. Inside the building was a large potbellied coal stove for heating, wall mounted oil lamps for lighting, wooden benches for seating, and an organ operated by foot pedals to provide music for the congregation. In 1952-53, under the pastorate of Rev. Leslie A. Garten, a new masonry building was built. This building consisted of a 30 x 60' sanctuary seating about 200 people. In October 1953, services were first held in the new building. The 65-year-old wooden building was dismantled and removed. 1950 was a memorable year at Daniels Community Church. Pastor L.A. Garten and Pastor Henry Smith preached a revival continuing twenty-nine consecutive nights. They alternated nightly. Over one hundred twenty people professed the Lord during this meeting. A mega baptismal service was conducted, at what was known then, as the Griffith Farm Pond. During the meeting, there was standing room only, and many stood outside the building, looking and listening through the open windows. Through the fifties and early sixties, many different preachers served at Daniels Community Church. Pastor Oscar Lilly of Shady Springs was a regular speaker during the building of the church, now known as the Heritage Room. Pastor L.A. Garten and Pastor Henry Smith, we’ve already mentioned, Gene Hall, whom lives at Terry, today, a lady Preacher, Lois Whitely, who lived next door by our present parking lot, Bill Green, who lives in Beckley, Harold Underwood, deceased, of Raleigh, Owen Lilly, deceased, who was a teacher at Shady Spring High School. Daniels Community Church was the birthing of other churches, such as Daniels Missionary Baptist Church, Mabscott Fundamental Christian Church and Terry Christian Church. As new churches formed and left, the attendance reflected the obvious ups and downs. Through all the ups and downs during the fifties and sixties, three men kept the doors open, the fire in the pot bellied stove hot and the lights burning. These men were Clarence Broce, Dorsey Mann, and Thurman Alderman. As the attendance fell, a few times to less than ten, you could be sure these men where always one of them. At no time did the church have a pastor which filled or attended all the services. According to the deed of the property, there had to always be some openings in the event someone wanted to conduct a service. When Daniels Bible Church was formed, in 1969, and became owner of the property, it was only then we could have a full time Pastor. Yearly “Home Comings” were always a highlight of the year, as we had all day preaching, singing and dinner on the ground out under the large oak trees. It actually was dinner on temporary tables. Friends, relatives and former members would return for that special day, the first Sunday in September. Mr. Henry Brammer, a big man with a big voice, led the music for many years, during this time. Spring and fall revival services, generally two weeks in length, were the norm. Since we were a community church and no one preacher could fill all the services, there were generally two or three recognizable denomination groups in the church. This situation invited a variety of preachers. We had Freewill Baptists such as F.C. Calhoun, Pastor of Bethel FWB Church, Wade Webb, Pastor of Arnett FWB, Okey Cox, Pastor of Soak Creek FWB plus Chick Carte of Cotton Hill Baptist, Cameron Lilly of Hilltop Baptist, and Bill Green from Mabscott Fundamental Christian Church. Bill Jenkins, now pastoring New River Valley Baptist, was the first full time pastor we had. Under his leadership the property was deeded to the newly formed Daniels Bible Church. We purchased the old Pitman Property on the North side of the original property, where the present main auditorium is placed, and built an educational/activity building, now the teen center. In 1972, Don Pfleger, from Southern Ohio came to Appalachian Bible College. Don became our full time pastor a few months later, and continues today. Ken Harer joined the staff as Christian Education/Youth Leader in l989 and remained on staff until 2004. Daniels Bible Church made a very courageous move in 1997, as contemporary music, topical messages, casual dress, small groups, friendship evangelism, showing Christ’s love in practical outreach ministries became our focus. God has blessed this ministry and it continues. We have had several worship leaders since the change to a contemporary style music. Phil Wegner began followed by Aaron Duncan, Gary Fizzanno and Mark Judd. In 2006 we are breaking ground on a 4800 square foot addition for an extension of our Fellowship Hall and Children’s Ministries.
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©2005Daniels Bible Church |