West Point Baptist Church was organized on June 21, 1859 by eight valiant souls under the leadership of the Rev. William G. Margrave, a former pastor of the Old Greenbrier Baptist Church in Alderson.

The West Point Baptist Church joined the Greenbrier County Virginia Baptist Association at Fayetteville on August 20, 1859.  James M. Carlisle and William H. Harrah were delegates carrying a letter and $7.50 to the Association by the orders of the church clerk, William H. Harrah.

The original church building was a log structure located on the Blue Sulphur Pike approximately one mile from the present location.  This log structure was moved to this present location to property obtained from Andy Gilkerson for $25.00 on November 12, 1863.

Burial ground of early pioneers of this church is located on the east side of the knoll where the original log church was located.  The strength and fortitude of the early pioneers will forever be an example, challenge and inspiration to us.

Some of the first deacons of the West Point Baptist Church were James M. Carlisle, 1859; H.C. Harvey, 1890; James H. Harrah, 1897; James Vaughn, 1897; G.S. Alderson, 1897; and J.W. Vaughn, 1900.  Some families in the church can continue to trace their family to one of these early deacons today.

The first minister licensed by West Point Baptist Church was G.W. Woolard in 1896.  The first minister ordained by the church was Franklin Alderson in 1900.  The church has had approximately 37 pastors (or) interim pastors.  There was a period of time between 1916-1926 when no records can be obtained.  Throughout the years West Point has licensed or ordained many ministers who have gone on to lead in the Greenbrier Baptist Association and the West Virginia Baptist Convention.

Throughout the history of the church there has been building and remodeling of the facility to make it a more comfortable place to worship.  1894 saw the construction started on the present church building, located in the historic Greenbrier Valley surrounded by the majestic mountains of southern West Virginia.

Finally in 1898 the present building was completed and dedicated on the third Sunday in November under the pastorate of G.B. McClung.  The Rev. W.E. Powell traveled from Parkersburg to speak at the Dedication Service.  This was a long trip and the church paid the traveling expenses for the trip of $16.00.

When the eight charger members organized the church, their first action was to write a covenant.  This document sets forth the simple, rugged faith of the pioneers.  The church as it stands today is a monument to the people whose fidelity and devotion to God in an earlier day was rewarded by God's favor and grace.

Over the generations this church has supported missionaries in their work; it has given funds to help other churches rebuild after floods and fire; it has provided furniture to other churches; it has given many new pastors their first place to serve as pastors; and it has nurtured many of young people and adults into being followers of Christ.  It has been the scene of many joyful events - weddings, revivals, singings and fellowships; but it has seen many sad events - funerals, disasters, wars and disappointment.  One thing has always remained the same abut this church - it has always sought to serve its Christ faithfully.

All are welcome to come and worship with us at the West Point Church. The worship style is informal with an emphasis upon the preached word. The church membership is small, but the spirit of serving the Lord is very large.
 
 

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