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The First Fifty Years Serving as Part of a Church FieldOriginally Dedicated in 1928 as the Mother Church (originally produced for Homecoming in 1983 by Sandra Sullivan) In the 1920's, Stanardsville was the seat of Greene County, a predominantly farming community; in addition to the courthouse and a few business establishments, there were four churches (Christian, Episcopal, Methodist and Black Baptist). The need for a Baptist church in this village was recognized by Rev. F. G. Cabaniss, pastor in charge of the Greene County circuit, Shiloh Association. On October 30, 1927, a gathering of dedicated Christian people met to establish the Mountain View Baptist Church (renamed a year or so later the Stanardsville Baptist Church). Enrolled at the original meeting were Mr. Reuben A. Breeden, Mr. And Mrs. T. N. (Tom) Graves, Mr. Willie B. Cole, Sr., Mrs. Virginia Pendleton, Mrs. Virginia Jarrell, Mr. and Mrs. B.D. Douglass and their daughter Frances, and Mr. A. D. Cole ("Uncle Alec" or "old man Cole"). A confession of faith was adopted at that meeting. Rev. Cabaniss was called as the first pastor in November, 1927. In June of the following year Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Moyers conveyed to the Trustees of the Church the land ( through the generosity of Ben F. Dickerson) on which the original building would be constructed. A piano was purchased and furnishings were donated for the Sunday School rooms; the Women's Missionary Union was also organized at this time. The first Sunday School was organized in 1930, and reorganized nine years later by Mrs. J. A. (Mollie) Eddins, Superintendent. Mrs. T. N. Graves was elected the first president of the Women's Missionary Society, which was also formed in 1930. The following years were marked by steady growth under the guidance of very capable pastors. By 1950, in fact the number of converts had more than justified the church pews purchased by special donations from members; pulpit furniture came through gifts from Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Douglass and the late Mrs. Virginia Pendleton. Stained gass windows were also given by the Douglasses and by the children of T. N and Alice Graves. In 1956 three rooms (with a basement underneath) were added to the Church structure for social activities. The same period was marked by a surge of youth involvement and an active visitation program. The 35th Anniversary was celebrated on June 9, 1963, with a Homecoming Day and the dedication of the Sunday School rooms. During that period, study groups on Baptist beliefs and special courses for the deacons were hosted at the parsonage; Melba Haislip was the first teach of a newly organized Young Adults class. Stanardsville Baptist Church was formally received into the Albemarle Association in 1965. The late 1960's and the 1970's were filled with activity: the construction of a new parsonage, the organization of "Mission Friends," donations of various furnishings and services to the Church, and even more new members and baptisms. Under the inspired leadership Rev. and Mrs. Robert L. Woodson, Sr., the Stanardsville Baptist Church was strengthened financially and spiritually. Visitors to the Church would commend the friendly welcome given them and admire the closeness of our members. The strength and unity gained under the watchful guidance of this special Christian couple enabled the membership to accept the challenge of continuing to move forward after his relocation to Greenfield. During the absence of Rev. Woodson, the Church carried on under the guidance of Rev. Darden B. Battle, Director of Missions of the Albemarle Baptist Association, and Rev. Haywood Kube, Interim Pastor, until Stanardsville Baptist church launched its full-time ministry in 1978 marked by a reception on September 3 in honor of its first full-time pastor and his wife, Robert and Marie Woodson.
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