In July 1889, representatives from seven local Baptist churches met to establish a church in the Hartwood area of Stafford County. They came from Berea, Ramoth and Rock Hill in Stafford County; and Zoah, Mt. Carmel, and Grove in Fauquier County. They decided Richland Baptist Church would be built on land purchased from one of the charter members. The cost of the land was not mentioned; however, the cost of the land for the cemetery was $6.00.
There were thirteen male members listed as charter members. Although it was noted there were eighteen female members, their names were not listed. Nothing was mentioned in the original records about the church building itself – its construction; the cost; who built it; the length of time; nor when completed. However, mention was made that in six short years, membership doubled.
In order to acquire funds to pay the pastor, a committee was assigned the task of approaching individual members for donations! This method continued well into the 20’s and 30’s using deacons also for this job.
In 1900, on the third Sunday in August, “a protracted meeting” or revival was held and lasted through the week. Thus, our tradition for third Sunday Homecoming!
By 1917, there were 126 members. Men and women were listed separately. The rolls were revised; dropping anyone who had not attended for twelve months!
From the beginning, Richland was in a circuit of four churches. Much later, it went to three churches, then two, and finally in 1961, Richland decided to ”go on its own.” In this same year, we joined Fredericksburg Baptist Association after being in the Potomac Association for so many years.
It was decided in 1948 to launch a building program for a new sanctuary. A building committee of five men was formed along with a building fund committee of five women who were to call upon each member for contributions. Construction began in the summer of 1952, with the final cornerstone laid on Thanksgiving Day, 1954.
Vacation Bible School began in 1954 also and has continued annually except for 1960 when the first educational wing was under construction. That wing replaced the old church, which had been used since 1889. In order to finance the wing, $9,500 was borrowed with the men completing the interior. Along about this same time a parsonage was built on land donated adjacent to church property.
In the 70’s, a number of exciting events occurred. A steeple and baptistry were added; the pulpit area was expanded and enclosed; and the sanctuary was carpeted and air-conditioned. The latter part of the decade brought the election of the first woman deacon; children’s church was also formed.
An organ fund was established in the early 80’s, and one was purchased in 1985 for $10,720. In that same year, a church secretary was hired as well as a music director. A front porch and railings were added to the front of the church. The pews were also padded at that time. The parking lots were completed before our special Homecoming Celebration in 1989, commemorating our Centennial Year. The building fund had reached $42,574.35 by the end of the decade.
When the 90’s began, an architect was hired to draw plans for the second educational wing. With the sale of the parsonage, a couple of bequests, and generous giving by members, the building fund now totaled $220,000. A loan supplied the other half, and the wing was completed in 1993.
In 1995, the church was the beneficiary of a sizeable estate. The debt balance of $144,090 was satisfied by this endowment. Many worthwhile projects and undertakings have been made possible through this money. We formed a five-year partnership with Park Place Union Baptist in Pennsylvania. Through those years, we supported each other with prayers, friendships, and funds. The biggest endeavor was the construction of an education/fellowship wing for them. Men and women from Richland traveled there and remained for days, working side by side with these partners.
Along with this mission effort, Richland participated in any number of Christmas in April projects sponsored by Fredericksburg Baptist Association. This church has a rich mission heritage beginning in 1897 when it was written, ”a collection of $2.10 was received for the Home Mission Board.” Through the years, under the Woman’s Missionary Union and Brotherhood, the Sunbeams, Girl’s Auxiliary, Royal Ambassadors, Young Women’s Auxiliary and Acteens have all been involved in missions.
A full time youth minister was hired in late 1998, giving our young people direction and purpose. Soon Discipleship Training commenced for a group through T-Net International, resulting in our church’s Philosophy of Ministry. Televised commercials promoted our church. Currently, there is a successful preschool. New worship services exist. The sanctuary went through substantial renovation early in 2004, with church members again doing much of the work. Our membership stands at 370. Twelve men have pastored here since 1889 along with a number of interim pastors. God has sustained Richland Baptist since that year through every effort, every undertaking, and every trial. Truly we hope we are living out our purpose as stated in the Philosophy of Ministry: “The purpose of our church is to raise up a loving community of Christian disciples who seek to be like Jesus in every way.”