Victory Baptist Church of Cooleemee held its first service at the Ridenhour Arbor, April 25. 1982. Within a few weeks, the church secured a building in the shopping center. After serving as interim pastor for six months, the church extended a call for me to become their first pastor on the second Sunday of May 1983. My family and I have had the privilege of serving God together with this wonderful congregation for all these years.
In March 1997, the church called Stan Riddle to be our Youth Pastor. His love for the Lord and matchless energy has added much to the youth ministry of our church. Together, our families look forward to serving this community, this congregation, and our blessed Lord for many years to come.
Work began on the first building which is on the current property and the first service in that building was held on February 9, 1986. A period of steady growth hastened the building of the sanctuary two years later. The first service in our new facility was conducted on June 11, 1989. Under the leadership of our Lord we hope, in the near future, to begin work on another facility that will include a gymnasium, a larger fellowship area and other possible facilities to help us better reach our community for Christ.
From it’s beginning, the church has sought to spread the gospel at home and abroad. The Lord has used a great music ministry, AWANA and other children’s ministries, youth ministries, women’s, men’s, and several prayer groups along with regular Sunday services to help reach out to our own community. The missionary vision has grown steadily to include 29 missionary families and organizations. At this time we have representative from our own church family, serving on three different mission fields around the world.
Our prayer is to continue to serve the Lord in this place until Jesus returns. We hope to use every strength, spiritual gift and facility at our disposal to accomplish that task.
"...and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." I John 5:4b
