History
North Parkersburg Baptist Church has a rich history that spans ten decades. The church has transitioned through eleven pastors and incredible growth through buildings and people.
In 1913, a small group of 41 people came together and planned a church that is now known as North Parkersburg Baptist Church. In 1914, Rev. R.W. Edmonson was called as pastor and construction on a building began immediately. On April 30, 1916 a dedication
ceremony for the building was held.
In 1919, the Rev. L.L. Holmes was called as pastor. The property was improved by the laying of concrete walks and completing the basement for use as Sunday School space. Rev. Holmes resigned February 1922, and on March 8, 1922 the church became self-supporting, having until that time received assistance from the State Board of the West Virginia Convention. In April 1927, Rev. T.B. Turley began his ministry at North. During Rev. Turley’s ten years as pastor, the church building was improved, the parsonage remodeled and outreaches established. North was instrumental in the organization of Broadway Baptist Church and Porterfield Baptist Church, which was in the process of coming to life in the midst of the depression years.
Over the next thirty years, North had five Senior Pastors and the church was completely remodeled and expanded. The expansion of the sanctuary provided comfortable seating for 500 people. The men of the church had worked thousands of hours doing the physical labor that was required in working with steel, wood and stone and had fashioned a building to the glory of God.
In April 1972, Rev. Conrad Lowe accepted the call as pastor. Under his pastorate additional ministries were added including part-time ministers to children, singles, senior adults, evangelism, music, Christian counseling and a full-time youth minister. Additions were made to the church building in the 1970’s and in 1985 a new sanctuary with a 1,200 seat capacity opened. As the church continued to grow the need for educational space also grew. In 1995 a three floor addition was built that included nursery rooms, Children’s Ministry rooms, a place for teens, and classrooms that are now used by North Christian School.
In 1997, Pastor Kent Boone was called as the Senior Pastor of North. Kent brought in fresh leadership which transitioned the church into two identical contemporary services. The church has experienced incredible health and growth. North is also very involved in the lives of those in the community through ministries that meet them where they are in life.