Our History

• 1831-1841 Formations
• 1845-1859 Building Walnut Grove
• 1860-1865 The War Years
• Post-War Reconstruction
• Turn of a New Century

1831 - 1841 Formations

Walnut Grove Baptist Church is firmly rooted in history. As early as 1831, a small group of believers met near Mechanicsville to lay plans for building a house of worship. Ninety-three subscribers raised $389 to build a meeting house called Bethesda on the farm of Edward and Sarah Sydnor, located near the present site of Battlefield Park Elementary School. Two groups used this building for worship: the Baptists and a group called “The Reformers”, also known as Disciples of Christ.

By 1841, the Baptists worshipping at Bethesda thought it wise to organize themselves into a church. Twenty-eight persons signed a covenant in which they promised “to be always prepared to make every sacrifice which the purity, peace and increase of the church required.” Bethesda Baptist Church was immediately accepted into the Dover Baptist Association. Soon, however, the Baptists worshipping at Bethesda wanted their own house of worship.

1845 - 1859 Building Walnut Grove

In June 1845, Edward and Sarah Sydnor of Oakley Hill gave the present site and “use of a spring.” The church worshipped “at the stage erected for preaching near Brother Sydnor’s gate.” One year later, “the new meeting house called Walnut Grove was opened for public worship and the dedication sermon preached by Rev. Barnett Grimsley of Rappahannock County.” The building was a simple one-room building with a door in the side, a stove and chimney in the middle of the room, a gallery for the slaves, lighted by oil lamps and with a bare wooden floor. Transportation to the church was in carriages and buggies, with the horses being tied to the trees in the churchyard. The congregation changed its name from Bethesda to Walnut Grove Baptist Church.

As early as May 1851, a delegate was sent to the Foreign Mission Society and contributed $2.50. This seems like a small amount unless considered in 1857 that the pastor was paid only $200 and as late as 1854 the sexton only $10 a year.

1860 - 1865 The Civil War

J.B.T. Patterson became pastor in 1860. The clouds of war were lowering and the clerk records during the war, from August 1861, that preaching was discontinued. This three year gap is the only break in our continuous ministry for over 150 years. All able-bodied men were defending their state. Women and children were fleeing before the invaders. Their homes were devastated and their farms were fought over in two military campaigns in 1862 and 1864. The names Mechanicsville, Ellerson's Mill, Bethesda, Beaverdam Creek, Gaines Mill and Cold Harbor became a part of history.

The little one-room church building was used as a field hospital by both armies, its floor stained with blood and the ends of the white pews set up for target practice. In the churchyard, Stonewall Jackson, riding in advance of his 'foot cavalry" who were marching from the valley, piloted by the Hanover Troop, met General Lee and strategy was planned that drove McClelland's army to the protection of gun boats on the James River.

Post-War Reconstruction

In 1894 or 1895, two infant classrooms were added to the back of the church (chapel) and a baptistry in the pulpit. Water to fill this baptistry had to be brought in from the spring. The men of the church filled barrels with water. Many who were baptized there well remember the cold water. Mr. R. R. Horne paid $100.00 for the cost of the baptistry.

Turn of a New Century

In 1901, the WMU contributed $68.52 to foreign missions and $53.07 to home missions.   Many were the accomplishments of the women. They packed boxes for missionaries, sent a Chinese girl to school in China for five years, helped the needy at home and many other things to numerous to mention. They were always interested in training the youth of the church and sponsored many activities to encourage their participation.

During the years 1908 - 1928, Walnut Grove saw a succession of five pastorates in union with Cool Spring.  Rev. David Hepburn came in 1908 and left in 1910.  He had become very interested in temperance work and was appointed Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent of the Virginia Anti-Saloon League.  He held that position until his death in 1931.  Rev. Richard White became pastor in 1910 and remained until 1916.

Rev. Charles C. Davis, who came in 1917, wrote to the Religious Herald, "We live in the garden spot of Hanover and work with some of the best gardeners in the Lord's vineyard".  Rev. Davis was born in Caroline County on November 6, 1872 .  He was educated in Caroline County Schools , Richmond College and Crozier Seminary graduating in May 1904..  The County Line Baptist Church ordained Rev. Davis.  Great was the grief when he resigned in 1924 because of illness soon followed by his death.

In the early 1920s four more classrooms were added making wings at the back end of the church.

God has blessed our ministry in many significant ways. Our congregation has grown, and Cool Spring, and Mechanicsville Baptist churches were established as a result of missions begun by Walnut Grove. We believe that His presence and guidance will continue to be felt as we strive to reach out to touch a lost world.