Boxley Cabin, Upper Goldmine Baptist Church
1829-1849
Louisa Baptist Church was founded on September 11, 1829. Then known as Upper Goldmine Baptist Church, the nine charter members were led by Pastor W. Y. Hiter. Within two years the membership increased to 78.
As time passed and church membership outgrew the original wood-frame structure, a contract was let in June 1849 to build a church near the Court House. It was to be 36 feet by 48 feet of "brick neatly, comfortably, and substantially and finish it completely for the sum of $1,575."
The church, named Louisa Baptist Church in 1885, experienced a period of steady growth through the turn of the century. Under the leadership of Rev. S. B. Overton, this led to a remodeling of the facility in 1927-1928.
The first full-time pastor, Rev. John Kinzie, served from 1956 - 1956. Again membership growth made the congregation aware of the need for new space.
After years of discussion and planning, and throughout the pastorships of both Rev. John Davenport and Rev. Kenneth Hoover, the church membership voted to build a new church facility at the parsonage property on Main Street in Louisa. The building was completed in May, 1968. A balcony addition was completed in 1978 during the pastorship of Rev. Garland Sparks, who served from 1970 - 1985. During this time, establishment of the North Anna Nuclear Power Plant brought many new people to the area. This again generated tremendous growth in the church.
Upper Goldmine Baptist Church 1850 - 1885
Louisa Baptist Church and Parsonage
On April 20, 1986, the membership voted to call Rev. David Cole, who served until June 2008 as pastor. Under his leadership, growth and needs led to another extensive building project of a new fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms, and elevator. In addition, the old fellowship hall was converted into an office suite. The new addition was dedicated on August 17, 2003.
The church being forward thinking for future needs acquired the Bailey property located one lot over from the church in 2004. The home being in disrepair was dismantled. However, the veterinarian office, now known as the annex, is being converted into a multipurpose building.
On March 19, 2002, the church called Paige Green as our Minister of Youth and Children. He became an Associate Pastor in 2002 and continues in that role today. In 2005, Louisa Baptist Church celebrated it's 175 Anniversary.
The sanctuary underwent restoration in 2008 with very minor changes.
Murphy Terry, former member of Louisa Baptist Church and once upon a time Foreign Missionary began serving in the position of part-time Pastoral Care in June 2008.
Ken Kessler began serving as Interim Pastor October 1st, 2008.
As we seek to serve God, we rejoice in our past achievements in His name, and we hope in the possibilities that He provides now and in the future.
New Addition of Fellowship Hall and Classroom