Our History

Skinquarter Baptist Church was founded in 1778 by a fellowship of about 30 persons and is the second oldest continuous congregation in Chesterfield. Skinquarter’s first place of worship was built in 1778 on the land of William Hickman. He was one of the founders of the church as well as their first pastor from 1778-1784. The first church building of our current building complex was a rectangular frame structure. It measured 36’ X 48’ and contained a recessed pulpit, eight large windows, and two front doors - one for men and one for women. 

In its first twenty-five years, Skinquarter’s membership grew considerably. It is believed that a second meetinghouse was constructed between 1799-1801 on the top of a hill north of the present cemetery. The cause of the demise of the first two church buildings and when it occurred is unknown. However, by 1859, David and Mary Jane Goode had deeded the land to the church on which a new house of worship was already “in progress of erection and nearly completed.” This structure was located in the bounds of what is now the cemetery, which is separate and adjacent to the main church property, The cemetery has grave markers that go back to at least 1852. This third meetinghouse of Skinquarter burned to the ground on Christmas day 1890. At a special service held on January 1, 1891, Dr. C.F. Bagby preached a dedicatory sermon entitled “Occupy Till I Come,” and it was decided at this service to rebuild at once. The Skinquarter Baptist church building which was erected in 1891 still remains the church for the present congregation. This building was remodeled in 1952, adding nine classrooms, Baptistry, and central heating. In 1975, six more classrooms, the front portico, a vestibule, and a steepled belfry were added which changed the facade from a two-door entrance to a one-door entrance with a center aisle inside instead of a double aisle. In 1986, the entire sanctuary was refurbished. To bring us into modern times, the fellowship hall was added in 2000 and the playground in 2007. 

Skinquarter was the “mother” of at least seven ministers including Charles Forsee, Edmund Goode, James Parks, and R.H. Rudd, and at the root of such churches as Liberty Baptist Church in Powhatan Co., Zoar Church in Chesterfield, Beulah Church, and Mt. Hermon the founders. 

Many of our historical artifacts are on display in the foyer between the sanctuary and fellowship hall.

Source: History article compiled by Laurie Horner for the 2007 church pictorial directory.