A SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

   In the, spring of 1888, John L. Roper deeded a lot to Roper Baptist Church. During 1888, the, church had been meeting in the drying sheds of the Roper Mill. Roper Baptist was a member of the Scuppernong Union of Baptist of the County of Washington.

   According to the Chowan Baptist Association minutes, May 21 – 23, 1889, Roper Baptist requested admission into the Chowan Baptist Association. The church was constituted in 1889 with 10 men and 7 women. The Rev. R.B. Collier was pastor.

   During 1891 a lot was bought and on May 8, 1891 the church began building. A gift of money was donated to the Church by Rocky Hock Baptist Church of Edenton, NC for the building fund. The new church building was completed on June 10, 1892.

   During 1900 a corner stone was added which reads Roper Baptist Church of Christ, Oct. 1891. This corner stone has been relocated and is along side the corner stone of our current location. A bell was installed by John L. Roper and shingles for the steeple and roof and timber were donated by Roper Mill during 1901.

   By May 1, 1918 the total membership was 62. During the fall of 1920 the Roper Lumber Mill closed. Many of the church members left the community. From 1920 to 1950 there were bleak years at Roper. The church was partially funded by the State Mission Board.

   During a Revival in October 1943 heavy rain came causing the roof to leak. Rev. E. R. Stewart stopped preaching to challenge members to raise enough money to repair the church roof. Those with umbrellas raised them in the sanctuary. Enough money was raised that night to repair the roof with Rev. Stewart giving the first $10.00.

   On April 6, 1952 church remodeling began. The sanctuary was given a face-lift and 2 classrooms were added by taking in part of the sanctuary and vestibule. Additional building began with the gift of a narrow strip of land back of the church property during 1955 by the heirs of Ordie W. Blount. Less than one year the annex was completed and all expenses paid.

   October 1, 1961 Roper Baptist Church and Oak Grove separated from a field of four churches including Creswell and Mt. Pleasant.  In 1961 the church purchased a house and lot next to the church.  This was the first parsonage.  In 1964 a lot was purchased across the street for the new parsonage.  Late 1965 the parsonage was completed and the old parsonage became an educational building.  Rev. Sidney Oxendine was the first to occupy the parsonage.  Also 1965 marked the turning point when Roper Baptist Church became a full time church when a field church relationship with Oak Grove ended.  March 17, 1969 there was a special note burning service since the parsonage had been paid in full. 

   On March 17, 1971 during church conference a vote was called to relocate.  July 1971 a lot was purchased on Hwy 64 for relocation.  The last service in the old building was held on November 19, 1978.  The first service in the new building was held Wednesday, November 22, 1978, for Thanksgiving Service.  The dedication was March 18, 1979. The church building was paid in full during 1985 and the church held a note burning service Sunday night May 5, 1985.

   On Sunday, May 21, 1989, Roper Baptist Church celebrated its 100^th year. The Centennial Celebration started with morning worship service and concluded with communion.  After dinner on the grounds a drama was presented in the sanctuary portraying the Church History.  A group picture was taken to mark the event.

   The Church Bell, which was in the steeple of the old church, was relocated on the sign in front of the church. The men of the church rang it 100 times to celebrate the 100^th Birthday of Perla H. Brey in 1999. 

The new millenium was welcomed by a group of church members at our December 31, 1999 New Years Eve Party.

   On August 5^th, 2001 a ground-breaking ceremony was held following morning services for our new Fellowship Building. For Homecoming, August 25, 2002, we used our new Fellowship Building for the first time.  We had approximately 150 people in attendance.  Due to a gift from the estate of Martha Mizell the building has been paid in full.

   After Hurricane Isabel the church and fellowship building were headquarters to many people.  They came from all over the country to help with clean up and slept in our facilities.  We were able to serve many meals from the Fellowship Building during that time to workers and the public.

   In July 2004, Howard Simpson celebrated his 20^th year as our pastor.  We celebrated with a party following Sunday evening service.

   During the past year we have been very busy with updating our church and grounds.  A storage building was built behind the church on a lot adjacent to the church yard.  This will be used for storing extra furniture, decorations and supplies, etc.  A shelter was added on the side to house the replica of the church, used in the Roper Christmas Parade each year.

   The entire church has been repainted and recarpeted.  Stain Glass windows were added to the sanctuary.  Our baptismal area has also been given a face-lift.  The greenery and trees were updated and replaced.  A beautiful painting was added to the front of the baptistery, depicting the river surface.   The church renovations have been lovingly done to the glory and honor of God, our Father.  We thank those who have spent so much time on the renovations, to make sure it is worthy of our House of God.

   The church has been through many changes in its 116 years.  But during that time our people pulled together whenever needed.  We should be proud of our history.  I pray that God will bless Roper Baptist Church and its members in the years to come.  This is just a short history of Roper Baptist Church.  I hope that it will be a blessing to you.   Cindy Spruill