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| History |
| Development |
| Early Christians met in homes; as congregations
grew, they moved to larger homes and eventually built their
own churched for worship, exalting the Savior, equipping the
members and evangelizing the sinners. So it was with Springfield
and its 125 years of rich history.
The first congregation started meeting in 1882 in the home
of Edmonia Miller under the leadership of Reverend Andrew
Jackson; later they worshipped in a log cabin. Deacon Isham
Grief Houston purchased a parcel of land with the understanding
that a church would be built on part of it. In 1887 a one
story square building, 28’ X 28’ was erected.
The size was determined by the pine logs that were used
as the underpinning of the church when it was first built.
Since that time, the additions were made at both the front
and the rear. In 1956 a basement was dug and the church
was lifted onto it. Two wings, two bathrooms, a kitchen,
and a bell tower were added. At the time of its sale, the
building measured 28’ x 56’.
With a growing congregation and the need for classrooms
and other facilities and no space to expand, the church
was sold on March 7, 2004. We began worship services at
J. R. Tucker High School with the administrative office
on Skipwith Road for meetings, rehearsals, Bible Study and
Children’s church. As the church grew in numbers,
more family names were added to the register.
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| The Last Days |
| Because the church was tucked between interstate
64 and West Broad Street Road, which became a growing retail
area, we had no place to expand. Therefore, with a vision
from God for its mission, with confidence that He would supply
the resources and by faith, we decided to move forward.
The property would be sold. The last activities of this
church that had been central focus to family and community
life in the downtown Short Pump were very special.
The theme of the last revival August 2004 was “striving
for Our Land of Promise”. On October 17, 2004 the
entire congregation, members who had moved away many friends
gathered for the Final Service. Sadly to say, Pastor Beard
permanently locked the doors, for it had been sold. It was
soon to become the property of the Historical Society to
be saved rather than destroyed.
On Wednesday, July 18, 2007, a Service of Blessing was
held as we watched the dismantled church being placed on
trucks and flatbeds. Then on Saturday, July 21, 2007 at
6:00 A.M. the congregation tearfully, yet gratefully watched
as the trucks headed up West Broad Street to Field Day of
the Past to the final destination to be restored for the
public.
The pastor during these last days was Reverend Dr. Proctor
N. Beard, Sr. |
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