Church History
Taken from the 1993 Church Directory
The Christian Baptist Church of Vanceburg, Kentucky was established in 1939 by a vision seen by Sister Hattie Craft along with the charter members: Norbert Stone, Mrs. Della Daye, Mrs. Orville Chatman, Mrs. Floyd Ruckel, Mrs. Eliza Hyrne, Mrs. Ralph Plummer, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ruckel and Miss Beulah Ruckel.
Our Sunday School was organized in an old store building, which belonged to the Stamper family. The church paid twenty dollars a month rent for one year. The church voted to buy the building in 1940 for one thousand dollars. The note was paid in full in 1943, the old store building was remodeled.
We continue to grow in number so under the leadership of Rev. Edward Heberlin the old building was torn down and a new church with Sunday school rooms was built in April of 1952. At this time our treasury was in debt four dollars and thirty cents. Stepping out on faith in the name of out Lord, He took over and the money came in as it was needed. The new church house was paid for in a short period of time.
As we continued to grow, we bought the parsonage in 1962. The in 1963 the parking lot was bought for thirty five hundred dollars, and paid in full in 1964. The church then purchased a bus in 1972. In 1976, we decided to install a more economical heating and cooling system. At this time the basement was paneled. In early 1980 the pews were padded. Then in 1987 the Fellowship Hall was built adjacent to the church building. With several elderly members and some in wheelchairs a handicap ramp was needed, and was installed in 1988. With souls being saved, we felt the need for a baptistry. With great appreciation to contractor Kenny Applegate, the baptistery was installed in a short period of time.
Our dedication service on March 21, 1993 was accompanied by the baptism of five new converts. We pray that God will continue to bless our families and Church, so that we may continue to grow and be a shining light in this world of darkness.
Additions after 1993
Since 1993 we have made several additions. We have added a full size porch, and have installed two new bathrooms upstairs. Since then the church has taken the leap into the twenty first century by purchasing the necessary equipment to record audio and video of the services.