Church History

The History Of Tunnel Hill Baptist Church

Tunnel Hill Baptist Church had its beginnings in a Union Sunday School organized in April of 1916, meeting each Sunday afternoon in the Tunnel Hill School house, with John Hayes as Superintendent. The first revival meeting was held in the fall of 1916, led by Reverend Logsdon, pastor of the Sycamore Methodist Church.

In 1918, the first house of worship was built at a cost of $800.00 using donated rough lumber. Preaching services were held monthly led by Methodist, Christian, or Baptist preachers. Converts held membership in nearby churches of their choice.

The Tunnel Hill Union Church became a mission of Severns Valley Baptist Church during the pastorate of Reverend W. P. Stewart, who served from 1924 -1932. Many people were saved during this period, and the majority became members of Baptist Churches. The first regular pastor, Reverend W. H. Butler, was called in 1934, and served until his death in an automobile accident on February 3, 1949. The church became a full-time pastorate in 1942.

Tunnel Hill Union Church was organized into Tunnel Hill Baptist Church on July 15, 1945. There were 23 charter members from Severns Valley Baptist Church, five by letter from other Baptist churches and four candidates from baptism, making a total of 32 members. Reverend Butler was called as the first pastor. During the first year, the Women’s Missionary Society was organized, the Sunday school grew, a Vacation Bible School was held, and a fund was started for a new church building. The first services in the new sanctuary were held early in 1948.

Pastors who served after the death of Reverend Butler were Walter Clayton, 1949-1950, Alfred T Royer, 1952, W.C. Warmath 1953, Wayne B. Jones, 1955-1957, John Floyd, 1958-1959, Russel Jones, 1959-1962, Harvey L. Holland, 1963-1965, Joe Swanner, 1966, and Harmon R. Popham, 1967-January 1, 2000. Brother Popham retired after 32 1/2 years as our pastor. Brother Faron L. Knopp, began serving as our pastor on January 21, 2001 and continued to serve through September, 2007.

The church began giving to missions through the Cooperative Program in May, 1952. In August, 1952, the Tunnel Hill School Building and grounds were purchased and a pastorium was built on that site in 1956. Calvary Baptist Mission on Battle Training Road was established in February, 1961 and organized in to Calvary Baptist Church on September 1, 1968. Twenty-two members from Tunnel Hill Baptist Church transferred to Calvary.

George Chun was called as the first Minister of Music serving from May 1973-1977, followed by Perry Puckett, 1978-1980, and Joseph Galloway in October 1980 to present. Mrs. Hallie Bush was the first Treasurer of the church, serving until 1972, followed by William C. Goodman, 1972-1993, Mrs. Margaret Galloway, 1993 to 2005, and Mrs. Lisa Sanford, 2005 to 2007. Tim Hartsell became Treasurer in 2007. There have been three Church Clerks; Mrs. Margaret Viers serving until 1969, Mrs. Shirley Wallace 1969-1982, and Mrs. Thelma Viers, 1982 to present.

An Educational annex was built in 1973-1974, additional acreage was purchased in 1976, and a new sanctuary complex was dedicated on October 6, 1985. The parking lot was paved in the fall of 1992. The former church parsonage has now become the church annex with office space for the pastor and meeting facilities for small groups.

After years of preparation and prayer, construction of a new fellowship hall began early in 2007. In order to accommodate all our members and guests, the facility was built at ground level and made totally accessible to everyone. Dedication of the new facility was held in July of 2007 when the church held our first luncheon in the new facility and the note which financed the facility was paid off within 18 months.

Dr. Nathan A. Whisnant accepted a call to become the Pastor of Tunnel Hill Baptist Church in August, 2008. He delivered his first sermon as pastor during the morning worship service, on September 14, 2008.

The church has known adversity as well as unity, deep sorrow as well as high hours of joy, years of great revival and time of decline. Through all, glory and praise must go to the Savior who gave His life for us.