Our History

August 1898, members of the Morattico Baptist Church, living near the village of Kilmarnock, saw the need for a group of young people to gather for Sunday activities. This group organized a meeting, and thus, this was the beginning of the first Sunday School, which would eventually become Kilmarnock Baptist Church.

The first meeting was held in an old schoolhouse. After meeting for two Sundays, it was decided it was too far for the members to walk, and a search began for a more centrally located building.

Money was raised to buy the land where the church now stands—in 1905, the Morattico Church minutes reported that funds of $1,175.00 were in sight. They had been dealing with the land since 1902.

The following years were perhaps the most active in the church’s history: turkey and chicken suppers, bazaars, oyster suppers, and entertainment. One benefit followed another until, on October 21, 1909, the framework of the church was standing, and the cornerstone was laid. That day, enough money was subscribed to cancel all indebtedness against the building.

Imagine the excitement in the small town of Kilmarnock in the early 1900s. Curious individuals would walk to the construction site to see what had happened the previous week. Soon, the foundation for this “new church” had been completed.

On October 21, 1909, a crowd gathered for the ceremony. Those gathered must have been involved in the fundraising or others curious about what was happening. A dedication speech was made as the cornerstone was put in place. Perhaps hymns were sung. It was a time of anticipation for the building’s completion. Many of those gathered were children meeting in the old school house and Bonner’s Hall for Sunday School. They and their parents looked forward to completing this “new church.” This Kilmarnock church would soon operate as a mission of Morattico Baptist. The same pastor served both churches. This arrangement would continue until the Church was officially organized on January 13, 1915.

Growth of Kilmarnock Baptist Church

The growth of Kilmarnock Baptist Church is a remarkable story, considering the village’s state in 1909. The average life expectancy was 47 years, and the average worker earned an annual wage ranging from $200 to $400. Ninety percent of all doctors had no college education, and 95% of all births took place at home. Eggs cost 14 cents per dozen, and sugar was four cents a pound. The American flag had only 46 stars, and people had no access to crossword puzzles or iced tea. There was no Mother’s Day or Father’s Day either.

Fast forward to 2009, and it’s challenging to imagine what life was like in those times. Today, we have access to television, cell phones, satellites, fast food, the internet, computers, iPods, and Blackberrys. Bridges have replaced the need for lengthy travel, cars have replaced horses, trucks are used for the transportation of goods, grocery stores offer a wide range of food products, and Walmart provides for many other needs. Life in the Northern Neck is drastically different from what it was in 1909.