Our Church History
1850 - 2025
Harmony Baptist Church was organized May 25, 1850 by Elders: Jesse Riggs, Wiliam A. Keen, and Martin U. Kitzmiller. The land was given by Enos Kincheloe, W.B. Chase and M.E. Chase. According to an act of church in session March 22, 1902, a motion by R.E. Deakins that nine members could transact business or that nine would constitute a quorum. The oldest member on record was Mary E. Fulkerson baptized into the church January 16, 1868. The records show that Bro. W. K. Cox was the first pastor in 1896, which some time had elapsed, with the possibility of others serving during this time.
1887 – The new church was built.
During this time period, the organization was very strict and conducted the churches as a business. The sexton received $6 per year for his work. Wood was provided to the church for $1 per cord. For members who did not conduct themselves properly, they would be notified to be present to answer charges preferred for telling falsehoods for the sake of gain. The church would withdraw fellowship for unchristian conduct and unbecoming talk.
Services were held on the second Sunday and Saturday in the month. Offering to missions at one service was $2.62. Saturday services at one time was dismissed because of rain.
1869, 1896 – The Association met at Harmony Baptist.
1890 to 1900 – W. K. Cox was pastor, starting with 100 members which had grown to 131.
1900 to 1902 – R.E. Deakins served as pastor.
1902 to 1905 – T. L. Hale served as pastor with a membership of 126.
1906 – A.J. Watkins served as pastor four different times for a total of 24 years.
Other pastors were: R.W. King, H.T. Templeton, J.H. More and Robert L. Lyons.
1944 to 1948 – Bro, Jack Campbell was elected
1946 –Training Union was organized by a group from the Cedar Grove Baptist Church.
1948 – Bro. Bill Pitt was elected
1949 to 1953 – Bro. Dana E. Hood was elected and served as pastor. During his pastorate there were 3 more Deacons elected. E.G. Brown, Jr., Floyd Morrell and Niles Wheelock. It was during this time that the church went to full time preaching.
April, 1951 – Harmony’s Women’s Missionary Society was organized.
Mr. J.B. Kincheloe being our first President. The enrollment was 34 at the time. It was organized by Mr. Freeman Wright of Glenwood Baptist in Kingsport.
1953 to 1957 – Bro. John Miller was elected pastor.
1954 – Sunday School rooms were completed.
1958 to 1959 – Bro. Dallas Hardin served as pastor
1959 to 1965 – Bro. F.C. Wood, Jr. of Colonial Heights was elected pastor. It was during this time that new seats were bought, church painted inside, song books purchased and a furnace installed.
1965 to 1957 – Bro. Elmer Luster was elected. During his pastorate, water was installed in the church, support for two missionaries, Larry and Carol Fish. A piano was purchased.
June 5, 1968 – Three Deacons were added to the church: Bill Harris, Jim Daniel and Bo Wheelock making a total of seven Deacons.
1968 – The organ was purchased. The restrooms and pastors’ study were also added to the church. Three trustees were elected, Leon Cox, Leonard Co and Vaught Blair. Carpet was laid in the auditorium, study and hall. Also during the time the roof was repaired and covered.
October, 1968 – The Y.W.A.’s were organized with Vanessa Wheelock and Linda Cox as counselors.
November, 1969 – Bro. Kenneth Jennings from Orebank was elected as pastor
