The charter was read and the church was declared to be an independent, fundamental, Bible – believing Baptist church. The first business meeting was conducted and the church elected the Mission Pastor, Brother Vernon McFarland, as the pastor of what was later named West Woodville Baptist Church.
The church had a membership of thirty people at the time of the organizational service. The charter members were Henry Prewitt, his wife Nella Prewitt and daughter Amy Prewitt, Walter Ross and his wife Ann Ross, Karen Stewart and Russell Creager.
In the fall of 1964, Brother McFarland took a leave of absence for personal reasons. At that time Brother Paul Gwinn was elected interim pastor until someone could be decided upon as a permanent pastor.
Brother Henry Kronmiller was elected in October, 1964, as pastor. Under Brother Kronmiller's ministry, the first steps were taken toward the construction of a much needed new building. Pastor Kronmiller resigned in May, 1965.
Brother Paul Gwinn became pastor following Pastor Kronmiller. He resigned in 1966.
Brother Vernon McFarland was elected once again as Pastor. He worked hard, along with the members, and got the basement of the new building started. He felt that his work was completed and resigned in January, 1970.
In 1970, Brother Howard Dykes was elected pastor. Brother Dykes and the church were working hard to get the basement of what was to be their new church building usable. Some of the major problems that confronted the congregation at this time were that of health and safety regulations. Brother Dykes took steps to see to it that the restrooms were brought up to standards and also the pending safety hazards were corrected. Brother Dykes had a great burden for souls and there were many people saved and baptized at Woodville while he was pastor. Brother Dykes served as pastor for 5 years.
In April, 1975, Brother Phillip Hinton was elected pastor. When he came to the church the auditorium had been partially completed. The folks were anxious to get upstairs and under the leadership of Brother Hinton, efforts were made to complete the auditorium. The membership moved upstairs in June 1975 and then in January, 1976, the pews were installed. In April, 1976, Brother Phil Hinton resigned as Pastor of the church due to illness in his family.
In May of 1976, Brother Bill Webb was called to be the pastor of Woodville Baptist Church. While serving as pastor, money was raised to finish the auditorium. Much needed land was leased for an extended parking lot. Faith Promise Missionary Giving was introduced and the Mission giving was greatly increased. Many missionaries were added and the support of the missionaries was increased.
Pastor Bill Webb resigned Woodville Baptist Church and was called to pastor the Fellowship Baptist Church in Williamston, North Carolina in June, 1987.
In July, 1996, Brother Ozell Pinson was elected to be interim pastor. The Lord had Pastor Bill Webb return to Woodville Baptist Church in October, 1996.
In September of 2016 Pastor Bill Webb retired. He did so after a total of thirty years of leading Woodville Baptist Church. During Pastor Webb’s tenure the church grew in size and in spirit. Pastor Webb’s leadership in the community of Blanchester touched more lives than could ever be counted. The missions outreach under Pastor Webb’s ministry became a top priority of the church. It was because of this focus that the phrase “The sun never sets on the ministry of Woodville Baptist Church” became a reality.
Upon Pastor Webb’s retirement, he recommended and the church called Brother Tim Rains to pastor Woodville Baptist Church. Pastor Rains has served in all aspects of the ministry and is passionate about Jesus and reaching people. His desire is to see the church continue to be a light in this dark world. Our desire is to be known as a church that “Loves God, Loves People, and Serves Both.” Woodville Baptist Church has a history to be proud of and a future to be excited about!
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