About Wayne Hills Baptist Church

A Sketch of WHBC’s History

In 1956, the Rev. Dargan Lucas and a group from Shenandoah Heights Baptist Church intentionally started Wayne Hills Baptist Church as a church plant in the Wayne Hills area in Waynesboro.  In those early days, they met in homes and a local elementary school.  In 1957, the church moved to222 Edward Avenue. Early growth resulted from an outreach focus on the Wayne Hills neighborhood.  

Starting in the 1970’s, WHBC became more of a regional church with outreach efforts extending to families outside theWayneHillsarea.  This new growth trend continued from the 80’s onward and a majority of our members began driving from outlying areas into theWayneHillsneighborhood for church. 

In 1996, the church purchased 40 acres just past the intersection of State Highway 340 and Interstate Highway 64 at 877 Ladd Road. We had an exciting groundbreaking ceremony on June 8^th, 2003, and our first services were held at the new location on March 20^th, 2005. By God’s grace we were able to help plant Edward Avenue Baptist Church at the old location! 

The people that labored to make Wayne Hills Baptist Church a reality dreamed of a place where God would be glorified in worship and where the inerrant scriptures would be taught without compromise. They dreamed of a place where members would fellowship with each other in love and would minister to each other when the earthquakes of life set in.  They also dreamed of a place where newcomers were welcomed with open arms.

 Wayne Hills Baptist Church is not perfect, but all the above traits can be seen as much now as ever before in the life of our congregation. We invite you and your loved ones to come and be part of the WHBC family!

 (A more complete history of the church is available upon request at the church)

Highlights of Pastoral Tenures: 

Rev. Dargan Lucas (December  1956 – August 1960)                                  

• The church was planted!
• 70 People Baptized
• The first building was built
• Supported other plants in West End Waynesboro and Elkton 

Rev. Zane Grey Ross (November 1960 – December 1962)                                   

• 25 People Baptized
• Parsonage built 

Rev. Morris Campbell (May 1963 – March 1968)                                    

• 58 People Baptized
• Added fellowship hall 

Rev. Earl Dalton (August 1968 – December 1972)                                               

• 70 People Baptized
• Started an emergency food pantry
• Opposed legalizing liquor by the drink inWaynesboro 

 Dr. Nevin Alwine (August 1974 – July 1978)                   

• 156 People Baptized
• Church Council organized
• First lay renewal held
• Hired full-time Youth Director
• Built a new sanctuary
• Bought a second parsonage
• Averaged over 200 a week in Sunday School for the first time
• District home ministry begins
• Pastor went on Australia mission trip
• Church services were on the radio