How it all started...
Pilot Knob Missionary Baptist Church has deep roots in the Big Hill Valley. The church was founded in 1865 when six families came together to form a church just three years after the Civil War. Originally the church met in a log cabin on Mallory Springs that doubled as a schoolhouse. The congregation was planning to expand a few years later when folks from Bobtown and Jackson Hollow suggested working together to build a bigger facility. The resulting building was constructed on land donated by Fielding and Polly Golden where Pilot Knob Cemetery is now located. The deed specified that the Reform Christian Church and the Presbyterian Church also be allowed to use the church building for worship services. Whether serving as a school or as a place of worship for other groups, Pilot Knob has long had a tradition of service and fellowship in the community.
During a revival in 1945, the congregation felt led to build a larger, more modern building to accommodate the growing congregation. In 1947 the church broke ground for a structure where the current building now stands. The first service was held in the new church building on December 7, 1947, beginning at 9:45 and continuing all day. The service included dinner on the lawn and featured preaching by multiple pastors. The building cost approximately $12,000 of which about $9,000 had been paid by the time of the first service, leaving a debt of $3,000. Nine hundred dollars were received in cash and pledges at the service.
The church did not have a baptistry until 1993 but that did not stop the church from growing. In the 1950s, Brother Mac Presley was famous for his baptisms in the creek despite not being able to swim himself. Brother Wayne Harding baptized 64 people during his time as pastor in the early 1970s.
In 2006 the church voted to expand the facility again. This time, with help from volunteers as far away as Alabama and Maryland, the size of the sanctuary was doubled. A new fellowship hall in the basement and a new Sunday School wing were also added.
Throughout its history, Pilot Knob has served as a beacon, telling people about the salvation offered only through Jesus Christ. Whether the message is delivered locally, in neighboring states and communities, or in countries like Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Panama, and others, it remains our consistent and fervent prayer that others will come to know Christ and share in the joy of His salvation.
During a revival in 1945, the congregation felt led to build a larger, more modern building to accommodate the growing congregation. In 1947 the church broke ground for a structure where the current building now stands. The first service was held in the new church building on December 7, 1947, beginning at 9:45 and continuing all day. The service included dinner on the lawn and featured preaching by multiple pastors. The building cost approximately $12,000 of which about $9,000 had been paid by the time of the first service, leaving a debt of $3,000. Nine hundred dollars were received in cash and pledges at the service.
The church did not have a baptistry until 1993 but that did not stop the church from growing. In the 1950s, Brother Mac Presley was famous for his baptisms in the creek despite not being able to swim himself. Brother Wayne Harding baptized 64 people during his time as pastor in the early 1970s.
In 2006 the church voted to expand the facility again. This time, with help from volunteers as far away as Alabama and Maryland, the size of the sanctuary was doubled. A new fellowship hall in the basement and a new Sunday School wing were also added.
Throughout its history, Pilot Knob has served as a beacon, telling people about the salvation offered only through Jesus Christ. Whether the message is delivered locally, in neighboring states and communities, or in countries like Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Panama, and others, it remains our consistent and fervent prayer that others will come to know Christ and share in the joy of His salvation.
Where we are headed...
After over 150 years of ministry in the Big Hill valley, our goal at Pilot Knob Baptist church is still to share the gospel of Jesus Christ locally, regionally, and to the ends of the earth, just as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20.
Our desire is to make disciples who love God, love others, and serve the Lord wherever He has placed them in this world, that others may know Jesus and make Him known.
Our desire is to make disciples who love God, love others, and serve the Lord wherever He has placed them in this world, that others may know Jesus and make Him known.
