Church History

 

East Sylva Baptist Church came about from a heartfelt need to have a Sunday school and church in the Pleasant Hill Community.   Having obtained the letter of dismissal from the Sylva Baptist Church for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Church in East Sylva at the Pleasant Hill site, the East Sylva Baptist Church was organized December 11, 1921 with thirty-one charter members.   Thus the church was dedicated: “to the service of the evangelization of the world for Christ.”  Since the time of organization the church has been served by nineteen pastors. East Sylva Baptist Church has had four buildings used for churches. The first was a small house. Around 1925 the church built a white wooden building. In the early forties they built a rock church where they worshipped until 1972.   At that time they moved into the educational building of the present day church.   The sanctuary of this church was completed and dedicated on Sunday, April 9, 1978.                

The church began with a budget paying the pastor $100.00 per year for 3 services each month. Currently the budget is over $300,000. Services includes : Sunday School, morning Worship and Sunday night Adult Bible Study & programs for the children & Youth. As well as Prayer and Bible study on Wednesday nights. There is also GO Outreach the first Sunday night of each month. Staff positions consist of pastor, youth/children’s director, administrative assistant and custodian. There are three part-time position choir director, pianist, organist.

 

In keeping with the Founding Statement: “to the service of the evangelization of the world for Christ” over the almost ninety years many young men have answered the call to become ministers. The church has financially assisted these young men that went into the ministry. The church has gone on many mission trips to various areas and the congregation participates in many mission opportunities.    For several years they have participated in Operation Christmas Child. Support to the N.C. Baptist Men is given during each year as needed. Mission teams have gone to various areas to help with repairing and building houses after disasters. Over the years, offerings were taken for Lottie Moon, Annie Armstrong and now they support Global Missions. Many local missions are supported such as United Christian Ministries, the Community Table, Lifelines, and many more. Recently a community garden was grown and the produce went to meet the needs in the local community.