Church History
In 1871, a group of 35 God-conscious and Christ-minded men and women organized the Holcomb Rock Baptist Church. A piece of land, part of the Cobbs’ farm, was given to the founders by Mr. Cabell Cobbs. As soon as the land was received, it was deeded to the church and recorded at Bedford County. Under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Moses Johnson and Rev. Albert Lowry, the site was later extended by the purchase of additional land from the Meriweather Estate. Several years later, another piece of land was bought which is now known as “the upper cemetery section”.
Mrs. Juda Smith was born in Bedford County about the year 1828. In the early days of her Christian life, she helped organize the church. She was most famously known her purchasing of the church’s first bible with money she obtained from farming with the help of her sons Layton, William, and Henry. Mrs. Smith served the church and maintained a faithful Christian life serving God until she was 103 years old.
Over the past nearly a century and a half, the church has elected 15 Pastors. All have passed before us like shadows and answered their final roll call to give account for the life they lived here. Their memory will stay forever in our church history. Some of those faithful Pastors were Rev. R.L. Thomas, Rev. J.A. Robinson, Rev. W.D. Johnson, Dr. J.H. Burks, Rev. H. Morris, Rev. S. Singleton, Rev. J. Davis, .and Rev. N.S. Walker.
In addition to the shepherds that led the church, the church has ordained over 30 deacons who were actively engaged in the work of the church. Alongside the pastors and deacons who served, many men and women have served the church in the capacity as trustee, deaconess, clerk, financial secretary, Sunday school superintendent, usher, musician, sexton, and many other committee members.
Elected to leadership in June 1942, our Pastor for 54 years, Rev. N.S. Walker, was a praying, faithful Christian soul. Under his administration, the church advanced spiritually and financially. The church grew with improvements and additions to the church building, beautification of the cemetery, raising of funds, establishment of clubs, growing of Christian education (Sunday school), choirs, and the care for the best interest of the church as never before.
Under Rev. Walkers leadership in 1970, plans were started to add a fellowship hall which included the addition of a kitchen, Sunday school classrooms, restrooms, and purchase of more land for future parking lot expansion. Still under Rev. Walkers leadership in 1990, the church completed another major remodel to the building which included the pastor’s study, choir room, additional restrooms, larger choir loft, baptismal pool, and a handicapped entrance. With all the renovations made to the church in addition to debts that have been accrued over time, the church was deemed debt free in December of 1992, and a mortgage burning service was held on May 2, 1993.
After the passing of Rev. Walkers, on August 31, 1997 the Rev. David Sebastian Stewart was installed as pastor of Holcomb Rock Baptist Church. Rev. Stewart faithfully served the lord as Pastor of the church for 22 years. Rev. Stewart started out with a bright outlook and many ideas for the church’s future. Pastor Stewart retired and now serves as Pastor Emeritus.
In March of 2023, Constance A. Wright was installed as the Pastor of Holcomb Rock, making history as the first female Pastor of the Church.
Today, Holcomb Rock Baptist Church, is remaining faithful to God’s call and will do so until the church of Jesus Christ is called home.
Our Team
Pastors Motto: “I am one of the Kings kids, trying to share the Gospel message, hoping to lead others to Christ, not by words alone, but by words and actions.”
Pastors Favorite Scripture: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me". - Philippians 4:13
Constance A. Wright
Senoir Pastor
Pastor Connie was born and raised in Lynchburg, Va. She is married to Hugh D. Wright, Sr., she is a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is a caretaker, preacher, teacher, and Pastor of Holcomb Rock Baptist Church.
She has been preaching since April 2004 and ordained on June 4, 2005, at the Holcomb Rock Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor David S. Stewart.
Pastor Connie attended International Seminary Extension School, held at First St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Rustburg, Va., under the leadership of Dr. Jack Wilson, where she received a Level III Diploma in Theology. She is also a graduate of Biblical Studies at Liberty University. She has been an Instructor for Christian Education Workshops held at Lynchburg College under the Church School Union of Lynchburg & Vicinity.
She also attended Minister's Seminar in May 2011 with a certificate of completion through Virginia Baptist State Convention, Inc. Constance most recently was certified as a Mental Health Coach through Liberty University in March 2023.
Pastor Connie is one who stands on the Word of God, she knows who has brought her through every storm in her life. She is a born-again Christian who strives to follow the heart of God.
Pastor Connie has been a faithful leader at Holcomb Rock for many years before securing her position as Senior Pastor in 2022. Pastor Connie is the first female Senior Pastor of Holcomb Rock and has been hard at work for the past few years leading the congregation in growth and spiritual leadership.
David S. Stewart
Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Stewart is a faithful teacher of the bible, leader of the Church, and family man. Outside of his role in the church, Pastor Stewart can be found tending to the needs of his family, supporting his grandsons’ athletic events, and from time to time working on handyman projects.
Pastor Stewart served as our Senior Pastor for 22 years until recently stepping down and serving alongside the other Pastoral Leaders in the spiritual edification of the Church and community.
Leadership Team
Deacons
Bobbie Watson
Herman Jones
Sadie Jones
Hugh Wright, Sr.
George Schroeder
Deaconess:
Irene Watts
Diane Stewart
Linda Watson
Trustees:
Robert Harvey, Chairman
Ellen Ferguson, Vice-Chairwomen
Joan Dade, Secretary
Ruth Anderson, Church Treasurer
Sylvester Ferguson
Elaine Calloway, Janitor
Administrative Team:
Ellen Ferguson, Church Clerk
Lisa Pennix
Sophie Lacy
Jeremy Jackson
Mary Burks
Worship Team:
Jeremy Jackson, Worship Leader
Datez Foxx, Lead Musician
Herman Jones, Choir leader/Pianist
Shaniya Bryant, Drummer
Christian Education Department:
Elaine Calloway, Adult Teacher
Robert Harvey, Adult Teacher
Monica Ferguson, Youth Leader
Nakia Haythe, Youth Leader
Kia Schroeder, Youth Leader
Khayla Pennix, Youth Leader