The story of Crest View Baptist Church is an interesting account of how God can use people who are willing to step out in faith. The church was conceived on July 22, 1934 when 22 people were baptized in the creek on Indian Grave Road after a series of meetings had been held. Shortly thereafter, on August 5, 1934, that group of people met at Hartley Hill School and organized the Hartley Hill Baptist Church. The Reverend George Sebastian was called as the first pastor.

  Those early days were exciting as the church experienced tremendous growth. On May 31, 1936 the church voted to relocate and build a larger church building that would accommodate the people. In September of 1936 the church moved into their new frame building which consisted of six Sunday School rooms. At that time, the name of the church was changed to Long Ford Baptist Church. Between 1936 and 1942 additional classrooms were added in two different building programs.

  By 1952 the church once again faced the need to relocate. The current church property was purchased that year. Later, in 1955, planning and building committees were formed. Construction was started in 1957 and the first service was held in our present sanctuary on June 22, 1958. A housing development called "Crest View Hills Subdivision" was to have been built behind our current location. The name of the church was once again changed in order to identify with our community, thus the name Crest View Baptist Church was adopted.

   Since those early days God has continued to bless our church in special ways. Rev. Bernard Tuttle served 18 years as pastor before retiring in 1978. Later in that same year Rev. Walter Ponder was called as pastor and served until 1985. During that time Hampton Drum was called as the churches first Youth Minister. In July of 1986, Rev. Keith Shorter began his ministry and served until 1996, along with Rick Beane who served as  Minister of Education and Youth until 1992.

In February of that same year phase one of a three phase building program was completed with phase two being completed in 1994. These phases added new class rooms and enlarged the fellowship hall. In 1992, Rev. Terry Barnes was called as Minister of Education and Matt Clayton as Minister of Youth. Matt Clayton resigned to attend seminary in 1995. Phase three of the building program was changed when the church purchased the Campbell house in 1995.

 In January of 1997 Rev. Michael Isaacs was called as pastor and in October 1997 Rick Shew was called as Minister of Youth. He served in that capacity until 1999. That same year the auditorium was refurbished and new carpet put down.  In 1998 the Campbell house was converted to office space upstairs with a Youth Center in the basement and called the Church Annex. That same year the nurseries were renovated and a 15 passenger van was purchased. A Steinway & Sons Boston piano was dedicated in memory of Reverend Bernard Tuttle during the 1998  Homecoming ceremonies. Also in 1998 a Space Needs Committee was formed to search for a way to increase the worship space. In 2000 there were 55 additions and Charles Babb was called as Minister of Youth. He served until the fall of 2003, when he left to pursue further education.

On May 20, 2001 the church accepted the Space Needs Committees recommendation to build a two story worship\fellowship hall facility that would seat 400 people adjacent to the present auditorium. A three part Enlargement Committee was formed with Prayer Emphasis, Fund Raising and Building sub-committees to oversee this project. A Kwai Organ was given in July of 2001 and a contract was signed to purchase additional property adjacent to the church for parking.

In 2002 the church embarked on a capital enlargement program called "It's Time" to raise over $600,000.00 over the next three years. The Matheson property adjacent to the church parking lot was purchased and the house torn down and the lot grassed. In 2005 a 32 passenger transit bus and a new 15 passenger mini-bus were purchased to replace the 1998 15 passenger Dodge van which was donated to Bethel Colony. Also that year the church went over $500,000.00 in the "It's Time" campaign. In 2006 an additional five acres was purchased across Echo Drive giving the church almost 8 acres of land. The Campbell house, the Woods property, the two buses and a trailer for luggage were purchased and the church remained debt free while raising over $500,000.  The church continues to grow adding members by both baptism and transfer of letter.

                              To God be the glory, great things He has done!

 

Tax deductable building fund contributions may be mailed to:

Crest View Baptist Church

1908 Blowing Rock Blvd

Lenior, NC 28645

The Crest View family thanks you for your help in realizing GOD's plan for this congregation.