BROADWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

1892

During his pastorate at the Harrisonburg Baptist Church, Rev. C. R. Cruikshanks preached at the church's mission station at Broadway. On

Saturday, September 24, 1892, he met with "a little band of Baptists"--five men and two women--"to find ways and means for perfecting the organization of a Baptist church." At that time, Broadway Baptist Church was founded, and Rev. Cruikshanks became its first pastor. By the end of 1892, with a membership of 18, plans were made to erect a building,

which, with improvements, is still in use today.

In 1902, Broadway and Turley town were joined under one pastorate. In 1933, the church was on a field with Bridgewater. Membership has increased over the years, from 81 in 1900, to 182 in 1994.

Broadway Baptist Church has been active in mission work throughout its history. For years it conducted a Sunday School at Fulks Run, and

later helped to organize the Fulks Run Baptist Church. Pastor Scott C. Hutton, Sr., was instrumental in the founding of the Brocks Gap Bible

Camp, which was held for five years and served Baptists across the state. During the pastorate and under the leadership of Rev. J. McKinney Sproles, a project with orchard workers was begun that would blossom into the migrant ministry of today which is being carried on by the Baptist

Student Union and supported by the Association. And, since 1987, Rev. Ray Bennett has led the church in participating in missions in Tanzania,

Boston, and Bland, Virginia, as well as in numerous

local ministries.