As we look back twenty years ago on February 24, 1984 at 7:30 p.m., at
Parkway Music House on the Volunteer Parkway where we met to discuss a new work,
we praise the Lord for all His blessings and the souls that have been saved. He
has been so good to us! The total attendance for that night was 64. The first
song sung was "We Have Met To Worship". We thank the Lord and praise His Holy
Name for all He has done for us!
After meeting there we met at Sugar Hollow Recreation Center, Lee Highway,
Bristol, Virginia on February 26, 1984 at 6:30 p.m. Sherry Goodson and Joyce
Kimberlin was our pianist. Ron Kimberlin led the singing. We took our offering
in brown paper bags and received a total of $2,378.79. There was 108 present.
Brother Rayton Puckett brought a great message from I Peter, Chapter 3, verses
8-11. Missy Harvey got saved that night. Praise the Lord!! After the service we
had refreshments.
We continued to meet at Parkway Music House for Prayer Meeting until June 7,
1984. On March 4, 1984 we had our Morning Service at VI College in a large room
in the basement. Joyce Kimberlin was our pianist. The total present was 131 and
the total offering was $1,093.64. Many songs were sung and Brother Rayton
brought his message from I Chronicles, Chapter 12, verses 23-33. At 6:30 p.m. we
met again there for Evening Service. The offering was $94.27 and there was 107
present. Antioch Baptist Church Choir was formed that night. We had a total of
21 in the Choir. The first song sung was Canaan Land. Joyce Kimberlin was
pianist. Ron Kimberlin was Choir Director. Brother Rayton brought his message
from Acts, Chapter 11, verses 11-30. After the service Brother Rayton's salary
was discussed. We then voted on his salary and the vote was unanimous.
We met again ·the next Sunday, March 11, 1984, at 10:00 a.m. for Sunday School
and 11 :00 a.m. for Worship Service at the YMCA Building on Edgemont Ave.,
Bristol, Tennessee for the first time. Brother Rayton brought his message from
Deuteronomy Chapter 30. The total offering was $1,176.79 and the number present
was 120. We took turns setting up chairs on Saturday night at the YMCA and oh
those stairs!!! We met again at 6:30 p.m. that night for the Evening Service. We
continued to meet there until we got in our new church.
March 25, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, membership cards were passed out to
anyone who wanted to become a member (that is, those who had been born again).
After the service we had refreshments.
March 25, 1984, at 2:00 p.m. we met at the YMCA for an Organization Service. The
first song sung was Home Coming Week. Brother Woodrow Morrell, Pastor of New
Hope Baptist Church, led in prayer. We all then sung "Brethren We Have Met To
Worship". Preachers present were Woodrow Morrell, Fred Leonard, Coy Wise, Bill
Bowman, T.R. Moore, Austin Cook, Eddie Zimmerson, Randall Shaffer, Floyd Nelson,
Jimmy Shaffer, Richard Bland. Eddie Zimmerson received the resolution and Fred
Leonard was the Moderator. All stood that were charter members. YMCA was entered
into as our temporary meeting place to worship and it was also announced that we
had another place picked out to build the church on.
Church covenant was read by Fred Leonard. Motion was made by Doug Breeding
and Odie Denton seconded it and all charter members accepted. Charter and
Constitution and By Laws of Antioch Baptist Church was read by Fred Leonard.
After Charter and Constitution and By Laws were read a motion was made by Fred
Roberts and Carl Curtis seconded it to accept it and then all voted to accept
it. Motion then was made to accept Ray ton Puckett as Pastor. Motion was made by
Buford Harvey and Gary Goodson seconded it. The vote was unanimous. T.R Moore
brought the message and dismissed in prayer. Brother Rayton then spoke and
Austin Cook dismissed in prayer.
April 15, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, there were three people saved. We had
people to join the Church and we continued to have people saved.
May 13, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, the Antioch Children's Choir sang for the
first time. The children in the Choir were Chad Curtis, Branin Wright, Kevin
Trivette, Chris Roberts, Kenny Wright, Jeremiah McCroskey, Hope Gobble, Anita
Meade, Erin Wright, Dorothy Pullon, Lori Kimberlin. The Choir was led by Ron
Kimberlin. The Children's Choir gave all mothers red carnation flowers. At the
Evening Service Brother Rayton brought before the church to take on some
missionaries. He asked that we take Jerry Gray, Larry Meade, Bill Jarrell,
DeWayne Johnson, Ricky Easterly, Gerald Rose, Maze Jackson. He asked to give
each one $25.00 a month. A motion was made by Gary Goodson and seconded by David
Meade to accept it. The vote was unanimous. Brother Rayton then brought the
names of the Trustees before the church to be voted on. (Don Brooks, David
Meade, Fred Roberts, Odie Denton, Dallas Stophel, Roger Counts, Bruce Crowe) The
back-ups were Charlie Smithey and Doug Breeding. Ron Kimberlin made motion to
accept them and Sid Wright seconded it. The vote was unanimous.
May 20, 1984, Morning Service, YMCA, Pastor Ray ton told the church about all
the money we had received from different churches toward a new building for our
church. After the service Pastor Rayton made a motion to authorize the trustees
to act on the following:
1. To negotiate with Charles J. Lowry, Real Estate Agency, in purchasing the
property located at Exit 4 (Exit 7) off 1-81 for the sum, not to exceed
$65,000.00, with an initial offer standing at $58,000.00.
2. To hire a church attorney, Mr. George Warren, to take Trustees before Circuit
Court and handle all future transactions concerning property and church
business.
3. To negotiate with building contractors concerning grading, paving, and
erection of shell-steel structure at the lowest bid.
4. To negotiate with lending institutions to obtain the lowest rates on a 15
year commercial loan.
Gary Goodson made motion to accept and Doug Breeding seconded. All favored with
rising of hand. Motion was carried.
May 31, 1984, Prayer Meeting at Parkway Music House, Pastor Puckett spoke
about land for the church to be purchased for $62,500.00.
June 3, 1984, Morning Service, at the YMCA it was announced that David and Joyce
Meade has given the church communion plates and cups in memory of Lloyd Shaffer.
Bibles were given to all graduates. Anita Meade came forward to make public she
had got saved and for baptism and joining the church. Pastor Rayton announced
that we had got the land for $62,500.00.
June 3, 1984, at 5:00 p.m. we had our first Baptism at Nordyke, Virginia on Don
Brook's property. There were approximately 125 present. We brought food and ate
beside the river. In the back of a pick-up truck Ron Kimberlin stood and led all
in "Brethren We Have Met To Worship' and "At Calvary".
Pastor Rayton then brought a message standing in the back of the pick-up from
Matthew 3, verses 1-7. There were 14 baptized in the river. (Bobby Alexander,
Missy Harvey, Gary Harvey, Sherry Goodson, Fred Williams, Wanda Williams, David
Williams, Rhonda Williams, Kenny Wright, Chad Curtis, Kevin Curtis, Daryl Meade,
Anita Meade, Susan Shaffer) June 7, 1984, 7:30 p.m., Prayer Meeting, we met for
the first time at Old Airport Road Baptist Church, Bristol, Virginia and we
continued to meet there for Prayer Meeting until we got in the new church.
June 24, 1984, YMCA, Sunday School, Jerry Shaffer got saved.
June 28, 1984, Old Airport Road Baptist Church, Prayer Meeting, Kevin Trivette
came forward and said he had got saved after he went home Sunday night, June 24,
1984.
June 30, 1984, we had our first wedding. Becky Feathers got married at the Old
Airport Road Baptist Church.
July 1, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, we taped a broadcast for the first time for
the shut-ins. Hope Gobble got saved in Sunday School.
July 8, 1984, Evening Service, YMCA, we had a business meeting. Pastor Rayton
Puckett asked the church to authorize trustees to go ahead and get the best
interest rate and a loan of $200,000.00 at Tri-City Bank and Trust Company or
Charter Federal. Ron Kimberlin made motion to authorize them to do this and Doug
Breeding seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. Ron Kimberlin made motion
to go ahead with building with best interest rate and Doug Breeding seconded the
motion. The vote was unanimous.
July 19, Old Airport Road Baptist Church, Prayer Meeting, Pastor Rayton brought
before the church about buying a grand pian'o.Motions were made and the vote was
unanimous. (Charles Wright helped us get it at a real buy.) July 29, 1984,
Evening Service, YMCA, Pastor Rayton Puckett and Moderator brought before the
church to authorize trustees to put in an order for the pews (at a cost of
around $21,000.00), (color 292-burnt orange).
Motion was made by Don Brooks and David Meade seconded it. The vote was
unanimous.
August 5, 1984, Morning Service, YMCA, Pastor Rayton announced about getting
property at Exit 4 (Exit 7) on 1-81 and had to get it mowed.
He also announced we were going to have a Ground Breaking Service next Sunday
08-12-84 at 5:00 p.m. and for the Trustees to meet at Miller's Steak & Egg
Restaurant Monday, August 6, 1984 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss building. In the
Evening Service 08-05-84 Pastor Puckett asked for authorization of church for
Larry Meade to be ordained 08-23-84.
Motions were made and the vote was unanimous.
August 9, 1984, 7:30 p.m., Prayer Meeting at Old Airport Road Baptist Church
Pastor Puckett announced that we had signed a contract with R.L. Johnson, a
building contractor, on 08-06-84 for the building. It was also announced that we
had a new address (1016 Old Airport Road, Bristol, Virginia, 24201). It was also
announced the men could meet on Antioch hill at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, 08-11-84, to
put up the tent, sign, and cut down weeds and trees. It was also announced to
meet 08-12-84 at 5:00 p.m. for Ground Breaking. It was also announced that on
all our stationary would be (The Church on the Hill With You on It's Heart). Ron
Kimberlin announced that the pews had been ordered and were· scheduled to be in
on the 11-15-84.
August 12, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, an offering was taken to give Brother
Wesley Wright for the use of his tent.
August 12, 1984, 5:00 p.m., we met at Antioch Hill for Ground Breaking Service.
We met in a tent furnished by Brother Wesley Wright.
All the preachers and trustees gathered together with a shovel and broke ground.
Then all the rest of the men that wanted to, broke ground. Pastor Puckett then
read from II Chronicles 2, verses 3 & 6. Bob Steele then prayed. We then had
dinner. After dinner the Choir came forward and sang. Ron Kimberlin led with
Joyce Kimberlin on the keyboard and Granville Hensley on guitar. We gave Brother
Wesley Wright $200.00 for the use of his tent. Pastor Puckett announced that
grading work would begin this coming week and in five weeks erect building and
in eight weeks close it in. Roger Counts led in prayer and then we had our
fellowship song (When We See Christ). Granville Hensley played electric guitar
and Joyce Kimberlin played the keyboard and Ron and Joyce sang The Lighthouse.
Brother Rayton spoke and asked Floyd Nelson to come forward and speak. Floyd
Nelson prayed and brought the message from Colossians 1, verses 12-20, Ephesians
2, verses 11-18. Raymond Martin then brought a message and Wesley Wright also
brought a message.
Brother Rayton then spoke and gave the invitation. We sang Only Trust Him. Gary
McCroskey came forward and came back in fellowship with the Lord and a candidate
for baptizing. All were in favor. Several others made decisions. We then sang
Just As I Am. The total offering for the day was $2,168,75 and total present was
140.
August 23, 1984, 7:30 p.m., Old Airport Road Baptist Church, Prayer Meeting,
Brother Rayton Puckett announced Larry Meade and Danny Felty to be ordained into
the ministry. Antioch Baptist Church authorized Rayton Puckett to get together
and question them. Rayton Puckett, T.R.
Moore, Coy Wise, Randall Shaffer got together 'and questioned them.
Norman Walls made motion and Sid Wright seconded it. The vote was unanimous.
Brother Rayton then spoke and presented T. R. Moore to charge the church.
Brother T. R. Moore brought the message. Brother Rayton then brought a message.
An invitation was given and then Brother Rayton asked Larry and Danny to come
forward. Brother Floyd Nelson prayed. Brother Floyd presented Larry a Bible and
Brother Randall Shaffer presented Danny a Bible.
August 30, 1984, Old Airport Road Baptist Church, 7:30 Evening Service, we voted
to take Mike Poindexter, missionary, on to support each month and we received a
letter from DeWayne Johnson one of our missionaries we support that he was
resigning. The vote was unanimous.
September 30, 1984, Evening Service, YMCA, after the service we looked at the
blue print of our building.
October 21, 1984, Morning Service, YMCA, Brother Rayton asked the authorization
of the church to authorize the trustees and Rayton Puckett to go ahead and get a
brick mason at the best price. Motions were made and the vote was unanimous.
Brother Rayton also announced that Jerry Shaffer would do the plumbing free.
October 28, 1984, YMCA, Evening Service, we took Bob Green, missionary, on to
support each month.
November 1, 1984, Evening Service at Old Airport Road Baptist Brother Rayton
announced we had our new phone number (669-4030).
November 4, 1984, Morning Service, YMCA, Brother Rayton announced that we had
bought our Baptistery and that he had called Sammy Allen on our carpet and all
men that could come that they would work on Antioch hill Saturday, November 3
and that the brick mason would start Thursday or Friday. Kenneth and Jane Grant
joined the church.
December 2, 1984, YMCA, Evening Service, it was agreed to have our first
Christmas Dinner 12-22-84 at 7:00 p.m. at Miller's Steak and Egg Restaurant
12-09-84, YMCA Morning Service, Pat & Una Fay Carbary sang with Granville
Hensley and Pat Carbary on the guitar.
December 16, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, Brother Rayton announced that we had
our first death since we started the church (Buford Harvey).
December 22, 1984, we had our Christmas dinner at Miller's Steak and Egg
Restaurant. It was located at Exit 4 (Exit 7).
December 23, 1984, YMCA, Morning Service, Rayton Puckett, moderator, brought
before the church (announced 12-16-84 and 12-18-84) to discuss an additional
loan of $50,000.00 making a total of $250,000.00.
A motion was made by Granville Hensley and seconded by Carl Curtis to authorize
the pastor and trustees to negotiate and sign a commercial loan with Tri-City
Bank & Trust Co. of an additional $50,000.00. The motion was carried by a
unanimous vote with no dissention. Steve Leonard got saved.
January 6, Morning Service, YMCA, Brother Rayton announced about buying song
books.
February 3, 1985, Evening Service, YMCA, Irene Collins joined church.
February 10, 1985, YMCA, Morning Service, Brother Rayton announced that someone
was loaning us an organ and we would have it for our first service, February 17,
1985.
February 17, 1985, YMCA Morning Service, Brother Rayton announced why we
couldn't meet in our new church that the snow had kept the grading men from
working and the inside wasn't finished. He also announced that we could meet in
our new church tonight for fellowship. Praise the Lord we did meet in our new
church at 6:30 p.m.
for fellowship. Wanda McCroskey was our pianist and Ron Kimberlin led all in .
At The Cross". Brother Rayton made announcements and said we would meet here
next Sunday, February 24, 1985. We sang several more songs and our fellowship
song was '" Will Serve Thee".
Don Brooks testified. Brother Rayton brought his message from, Philippians 4,
verses 11-23. We had our fellowship meeting in the fellowship hall. We had
plenty to eat and it was our pastor's birthday. A cake was presented to him by
Barbara Leonard. Gail Leonard joined the church. Total present was 120 and total
offering for the day was $1,244.28. Before the service some of the men met
outside and prayed.
February 24, 1985, we met for Sunday School at 10:00 a.m.and Worship Service at
11:00 a,m. We had 155 in Sunday School. Wanda McCroskey was our pianist and
Granville Hensley and Pat Carbary our guitarist. Ron Kimberlin led the choir.
Flowers were sent to the church and other gifts. Gary and Sherry Goodson gave a
picture and Ron and Joyce Kimberlin gave Praying Hands. Flowers were given by
Miller's Florist and Pauline Smith. Brother Rayton brought his message from
Matthew 5, verses 1-12 and Matthew 3, verses 11-12. Total present was 233 and
total offering was $3,668.05. Barbara and James Shoun joined the church.
February 24, 1985, Evening Service, in our new church Langley Shupe played the
piano and Brother Rayton brought his message from Habakkuk 2, verses 1-4.
Brother Coy Wise brought his church over. We had 152 present and $165.19
offering which made a total for the day of $3,833.24. Doris Shaffer joined the
church. Several others made things right with the Lord. Praise the Lord!!!
The pianist that we had during our meetings before we got in our church was
Joyce Kimberlin, Wanda McCroskey, Shelia Harless, Joyce Meade. The Lord had been
so good to us!!! Sunday School teachers were rotated each Sunday. The Teachers
were Doug Breeding, David Meade, and Carl Curtis. The Treasurer was Gary
Goodson. Secretary and Clerk was Shelby Hensley. The music director was Ron
Kimberlin.
We thank everyone who pitched in and helped when we were finshing our Church. We
had people who painted, hung wall paper, vaccumed, and all the little jobs that
needed to be done.
March 5, 1985, it was brought before the church to purchase a copier for
$750.00. The vote was unanimous.
March 12, 1985, it was brought before the church to license Matthew Stewart and
Michael Carmody into the ministry. The vote was unanimous.
On March 9, 1988, a Special Called Business Meeting was held. The purpose of the
meeting was to discuss a loan for a church organ at a cost of $6,500.00. A
motion was made by Granville Hensley and seconded by Mark Roark to authorize the
Pastor and Trustees to negotiate and get a loan of $5,000.00 with Dominion Bank
at a competitive rate. The vote was unanimous.
December 11, 1988, a meeting was called to discuss a loan for a fellowship
building at· $20,000.00 at Dominion Bank. The vote was unanimous.
October 29, 1989, three deacons were elected. (David Meade, Doug Breeding, Don
Brooks) The vote was unanimous.
December 31, 1989, a meeting was held to license Darryl Fritts into the
ministry. The vote was unanimous.
July 8, 1990, a meeting was held to license Danny Thompson into the ministry.
The vote was unanimous.
December 30, 1990, a meeting was held to elect three trustees to replace Dallas
Stophel, Jr., Roger Counts, and Bruce Crowe.
Recommended and approved was Dale Leonard, Walker Linkous, and Mack Harless. The
vote was unanimous.
December 30, 1990, a meeting was called to get a loan at Highland Union Bank of
$25,000.00 to payoff previous loan and to install heat and air-condition in the
fellowship hall. The vote was unanimous.
August 11, 1991, a meeting was called to license Michael Snodgrass and Tony
McMurray into the ministry. The vote was unanimous.
November 14, 1993, a meeting was held to purchase a 1989 For Van at a cost of
$8,500.00. The vote was unanimous.
November 24, 1996, ordination service was held for Daryl Fritts into the
ministry.
We continued to take on missionaries and on the last Sunday in May, 1997, our
Pastor, Rayton Puckett and his wife Faith Puckett, retired as pastor of Antioch
Baptist Church. We all loved Brother Rayton and Sister Faith and we sure hated
to see them leave. They were such a blessing down through the years. Brother Bob
Steele took over as interim pastor until we could find a new pastor. May 25,
1997, Morning Service, a pulpit committee was elected. The pulpit committee were
the deacons, Paul Eads, Doug Breeding, and David Meade along with Dale Leonard
and Rick Rimer. Ron Kimberlin and John Snodgrass was elected as financial
consultants. Bob Steele was elected as a spiritual consultant. They met with
several preachers and on February 1, 1998, Morning Service, Brother Brad Davis
was voted in as our Pastor. Brother Brad and his wife Sandra and the children,
Josh, Nathan, and Rebekah has been a blessing to us and we thank the Lord for
sending them to us.
May 5, 1998, Bother Danny Salyers was voted in as our Youth Director.
February 4, 2001, Matthew Stewart was ordained back into the ministry.
April 29, 2001, the Ordination Service for Todd Crusenberry was held ordaining
him as a minister.
August 12, 2001, Brother Rick Rimer was ordained as a deacon.
We praise the Lord for all His wonderful blessings. He has been so good to us.
The following are letters from Brother Rayton & Sister Faith Puckett, Pastor
Brad Davis, Brother Bob Steele, Doug Breeding, David Meade, Granville & Shelby
Hensley, Rick Rimer, Lynn Smith, John Snodgrass:
February 12, 2004
Antioch Baptist Church from the beginning has seen the hand of the Lord upon it.
How can anyone explain what has happened over twenty years since the very first
service until now but say, the Lord is with us.
Never before have I had two loan officers to come to my home and want to loan us
money before we had the land in the Churches name. I had give my personal check
as a binder on the property and they wanted to know how much money we wanted to
borrow.
Those who were there at the first could hardly believe that in a year we would
have the first service in the new building. The souls that were saved at the
YMCA, the ones who joined, the folks who set up chairs at the YMCA and all the
work by everyone at night on the new building, still causes me to wonder how it
was accomplished. The years as Pastor of Antioch were the most enjoyable of my
ministry as a Pastor for me and my wife. She has been a great inspiration to me
over the years and the wind beneath my wings. The Jubilee, I felt led of the
Lord to start, has blessed untold hundreds of preachers as well as others. I
have been told by many preachers and others that the Jubilee at Antioch was the
best they had ever been at.
The missionary spirit from the beginning, when the first month we started
supporting, has continued until now. I could write a lot but I just want to say,
To God Be The Glory for all He has done working in and through his people.
Brother Brad Davis our Pastor now was sent our way to carry the torch to greater
things for the Lord until we see the Lord face to face.
In Christ Jesus Our Lord,
Rayton & Faith Puckett Romans 8: 1
May 12, 2004
On the first Sunday in February, February 1 st, 1998, I was honored to become
the Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. I have served in this capacity for more
than six years at this present time. Soon after my coming we paved the parking
lots and built steps between the lower and upper parking lots. A room was built
in the Fellowship Hall in the summer of 1998 to house the new Printing Ministry
that just begun. A Food Pantry and Clothing Pantry was started in 1999 and has
been used to supply the needs for many in our community. Brother Danny Salyers
came on our staff as Youth Pastor in the spring of 1998 and served in this
capacity until spring of 2000. The Youth Department grew under his leadership
and he and his family were assets to the church. Brother Todd Crusenberry and
wife Marie, came on staff in the spring of 2000. Brother Todd was instrumental
in getting our Junior church started as well as beginning the Discovery Club and
the Children's Ministry.
Brother Matthew Stewart came on staff as Youth Pastor in summer of 2000 and
served in this capacity until January of 2003. He and his wife Amy were
blessings to our church. Brother Mike Carmody came on staff in August of 2001 as
our Minister of Visitation and Pastor's Assistant and served in this capacity
until November of 2003. Brother Mike and his family were assets to our Church
Ministry. In January of 2004 two new ministries were added to our church staff.
Brother Matthew Stewart returned as Youth Pastor and Pastor's Assistant. Brother
Scott Foster came as minister of visitation and Pastor's Assistant. Both of
these good men are added blessings to our church. Brother Travis Wright was our
first printer and head of the print shop and did a good job during his stay with
us. Following him was Brother Greg Sharrett who has done a wonderful job
overseeing and working this ministry.
The equipment and production has more than doubled as Greg continues to
faithfully serve in this capacity. A Bible College was started in the fall of
1998 under the direction of Dr. Bill Christian. The Cambridge Institute of
Theology has been blessed and greatly used of the Lord. It now is reaching
around the world through internet access and is recognized by Oxford of England.
The church went through a complete interior renovation for about seven I months
beginning in June of 2002. New carpet, pew upholstery, paint, and furniture were
added. Thirty-five thousand dollars, $35,000.00, was donated to do this work by
the faithful members of Antioch.
The church indebtedness was entirely paid off February 2, 2004, when the church
celebrated it's 20th Anniversary. Since that time the Lord has sent us two late
model 15 passenger vans to expand our Bus Ministry.
During 2003 for four consecutive months souls were saved every week in our
services! May the Lord continue His Blessings!
Pastor Brad Davis
February,2004
I am proud to be a member of Antioch Baptist Church. I was blessed with the
honor of being the Interim Pastor of this great assembly in June of 1997.
Brother Rayton Puckett retired in June of that year. He left the church in great
condition, spiritually, and every other way. He was greatly used of God while
here. Because of this and his love for God's church, it made it a blessing to
pastor you.
The Love of God that the church showed me and each other, made my first
experience as a pastor a sweet one. The Pulpit Committee was great men to work
with. They did their work praying and seeking God's will, and not their own. I
am proud of them. God tested us when we called Brother Bill Jones and then would
not let him be our pastor. Brother Bill is a great Man of God and we love him.
God has and is, really blessing him and his church since then.
The Pulpit Committee heard Brother Brad Davis and fell in love with him on
February 1, 1998. At the Morning Service we voted Brother Brad in as our Pastor.
I and Pulpit Committee called and told him he was Pastor and we installed him
that evening. He and his family is and has been, a great blessing to us ever
since. May God continue to bless him and our church.
Brother Bob Steele
May 9, 2004
I seldom enter Antioch Baptist Church that a sense of awe floods over me as I
look around and see what the Lord has provided for us here at this facility.
Before the church was built in 1984-85, I had walked over this property many
times, seeing only green briars and rock and to my untrained eye a worthless
piece of ground.
My mind goes back to late 1983 when a group of men met at Ron Kimberlin's house
to discuss organizing a new church with Brother Rayton Puckett as our pastor.
F rom out of this meeting Antioch was born and soon after we began to build. We
had to go outside for some of the work but for the most part someone in the
group had the know-how and time to get the job done.
Whether it was digging a ditch, stringing wire, or laying pipe, the Lord
provided someone with the ability.
Many members were involved in this endeavor who have gone on to be with the
Lord; Ralph Bays, Walter Brown, Chester Howlett, Charley Smithey, Pat Carbary,
Jay Roark, and Buford Harvey. All these individuals left their mark on the
church that will not be forgotten.
Our goal was to have the building ready to have our first meeting in the new
facility on the 1 st anniversary of the organization of the church.
This was accomplished by God's Grace and long hard hours of labor from numerous
individuals.
One person stands out in my mind above all the others; Jay Roark, though he had
health problems he put in more work and time than any of us. One incident
involving Jay I remember well! It was on a very cold January night we were about
to finish up for the day and it was about 10:00 p.m. Jay said the steeple was
leaning to the left, so Jay, Bobby Grayson, and myself, decided it shouldn't
take too long to do. But as Bobby and I climbed up into the steeple, tightening
and loosening bolts, it became apparent we were going to be there for a while.
As we turned the bolts Jay would run in and out of the building telling us which
way to turn, about every 15 minutes. He would yell at us to hurry, that he was
freezing to death! Bobby and I were num from the cold, but stuck it out, because
Jay wouldn't let us come down, and was laughing all the time.
We finished about 2:00 a.m.
Many memories come back as I think back on those days as all the labor, time,
and expense that was sacrificed by so many, that we could have the fine church
we have today.
Many thanks to Rayton Puckett, Bob Steele, and Brad Davis our pastors over the
years for their leadership, dedication, and willingness to follow after the Lord
and do His bidding.
For the many brothers and sisters that have come our way in the last twenty
years, for the prayers that have been answered, the lives that have been changed
but most of all for the souls that have been saved.
Thank You Lord! Doug Breeding
May 19. 2004
Memories of the excitement of starting a new work, the unity of our people with
love and dedication to each other and to the lord. with freedom to worship.
blesses me to look at the past. the present, and the future. I recall the
willingness of each one to work where ever it was needed.
I remember many special times of worship and praise with testimonies from
special people as Brother Charlie Smithey. Brother Paul Johnson, and Sister
Violet Vance. I remember every time Ron and Joyce Kimberlin sang "Thank You
Jesus For Saving Me" it would "get on" (quote from; Brother Rayton). Then there
was the time Shelia Harless (Ball) sang "He Washed My Eyes With Tears· for about
45 minutes while the altar was filled during this time as God moved upon the
hearts of us all.
I recall God's provision for every need. I suppose one favorite being the piano
that we are still using.
My prayer is that we will always be in this same atmosphere of excitement and
dedication to the lord and to each other. that our church may go forward for the
Glory of God.
looking back how complicated things looked starting a new work for the lord. and
how amazingly God worked everything out and caused everything to fall into place
according to His will. assures us that we were in His will and plan.
David Meade
May 18, 2004
As Granville and I look back over the past twenty years and see where the Lord
had brought us from, we thank the Lord for His wonderful blessings. He has been
so good to us! We could never thank Him enough. I (Shelby) remember the day
Brother Rayton came and asked me to take minutes of each service in which I
became secretary and clerk. Later on when Ron Kimberlin became treasurer Brother
Rayton came again and asked me if I would assist Ron in the treasury (Missions).
Then when Brother Bob Steel and Brother Brad Davis came I continued to do the
job. It has been a pleasure to do my part in helping out the Church.
Brother Rayton Puckett, Brother Bob Steele, and Pastor Brad Davis have been a
blessing to us. We praise the Lord for all the souls that have been saved.
Granville remembers when he and all the others who came on Saturday night and
set up chairs at the YMCA to have service on Sunday. I (Shelby) remember me,
Joyce Kimberlin, and Sherry Goodson hanging wall paper and all the men and women
who worked and labored on the building.
One instant that stands out in our mind was the day that 40 some of us met at
Antioch to have special prayer for Zane McCormick who was born with a tumor in
his liver and they did not expect him to live until the end of the week. Glenda,
his mother, told her dad, Rayton Puckett, she wouldn't blame the' Lord if he
took her little boy but she sure would like to keep him. The Lord seen fit to
remove the tumor and today he is a fine healthy young man. Another instant that
stands out in our mind was all the prayers that went up for little Andy Nunn and
what an outstanding little boy he was He was such a blessing to us. We still
thank the Lord every day for His goodness and mercy.
We have met so many good people since we started Antioch. The Lord had been so
good to us! We have had some great Jubilees. One of the greatest blessings we
get now is seeing these small children serving the Lord.
Granville and I truly love the church and Granville has enjoyed playing the
guitar through the years and we hope many more souls will be saved.
Granville and Shelby Hensley
June 13, 2004
God sent my family to Antioch in April, 1991. We were without a church home. We
had visited several churches, but did not have a peace about where to go. When
we came to Antioch we felt a peace in our heart that this was where God wanted
us. Everyone was so friendly and caring. The Choir was was such a blessing and
we could feel God's presence here. Shortly after we joined the church we have
been helping and WOrking in the church since then.
Over the years some of my fondest memories here at Antioch are:
1. The Jubilee Services that were held every year with Bro. Rayton.
2. Sitting under and hearing so many Godly preachers, Bro. Maze Jackson, Craig
Edwards, Sam Sparks, Ralph Sexton Sr. & Jr., and Tom Hayes. This list could go
on and on.
3. The many souls that God has saved here at Antioch.
4. All the faithful Christians that I've known and are with the Lord now.
5. All the Bible Schools that I have worked with is one of the best memories.
I love Antioch Baptist Church and all that it stands for. It has been an honor
and a blessing to be a member and a servant here.
Rick Rimer
June 13, 2004
Truly a blessing to Lynn and I was when Lynn's sister was killed in Greensboro.
Our church stood by us in prayers, phone calls, cards, flowers, and a love
offering was given to us to help with the expenses that we encounted during that
week of a sudden tragedy.
Our church is made up of a loving and caring people. When a need arises, they so
quickly come together as a family to pray and help.
We love our church, our Pastor and his family, and our church family.
Lynn & Sandra Smith
June 16, 2004
Looking back over the years of my affiliation with Antioch Baptist Church, I
feel very honored to have been able to help secure the financing for "The Church
On The Hill". And, if it can get better than that, I was blessed to be involved
when the note was PAID IN FULL this past February.
Also, remembering back, I was able to see that Antioch could begin having church
at Sugar Hollow, since I was then a member of the Bristol Virginia School Board.
I am truly blessed to have been able to work with Rayton and Brad. They are both
such fine Godly men.
While all of these memories are important to me, the best memory I have of
Antioch is seeing my oldest son, Michael, called to preach under Rayton
Puckett's ministry and seeing my first granddaughter, Gabrielle, baptized here
certainly makes special memories for me anyway.
I want to see our church continue to grow both in numbers and spiritually.
John Snodgrass
ORIGINALLY TYPED & WRITTEN BY:
SHELBY HENSLEY
LETTERS BY: BRO. RAYTON & SISTER FAITH PUCKETT PASTOR BRAD DAVIS. BRO. BOB
STEELE. DOUG BREEDING DAVID MEADE. GRANVILLE & SHELBY HENSLEY RICK RIMER. LYNN &
SANDRA SMITH. JOHN SNODGRASS
PROOFING: ILEEN BREEDING. PASTOR BRAD DAVIS