Our history
Sixty-five years on Jefferson Park Avenue, five pastors, and a handful of charter members still in the pews.
Jefferson Park Baptist Church began as the Fry's Spring Baptist Mission of First Baptist Church of Charlottesville. We thank God for his preserving grace, and look forward to how he may use this church in the years to come.
1960
Fry's Spring Baptist Mission
First Baptist Church of Charlottesville wrote to more than 300 members living in and around the Fry's Spring neighborhood, inviting them to consider a new church plant. The mission's Sunday School met for the first time at Johnson Elementary School on June 12, and the first worship service was held on July 17.
1961
Land on Jefferson Park Avenue
A plot of land was purchased on Jefferson Park Avenue on 29 September.
1962
Constituted as Jefferson Park Baptist Church
The church formally constituted on 1 October with 170 charter members. A handful of them are still members today.
1963
The building opened
The newly constructed building opened its doors in July, about a month after a newspaper photograph showed it still under construction.
2010
Keith Goad called as pastor
Dr. Keith Goad arrived on 29 October and preached his first sermon on Reformation Day. He is the fifth pastor in the church's history.
2012
A new constitution
The church voted to adopt its current constitution, which introduced an elder-led model of leadership.
2024
Phase 1 renovations complete
An expanded fellowship hall, a new children's wing, a new playground and renovated bathrooms were completed after the congregation grew to fill the building.
Come and see what the Lord has kept
The simplest way to know a church is to sit in it on a Sunday morning.