Church History

Exciting North Run Baptist Church, a Southern Baptist affiliation located in Richmond, Virginia, was founded in May 1832. North Run welcomed Reverend Eli Ball to minister to the congregation in October 1832. While the records are scarce from that time, the church’s first meeting site was in a building near “Hungary Station” which is now Laurel. It is thought that the first church building used for worship was a “union” church – meaning it was shared by different denominations for the purpose of worship, finally coming to be used by Baptists.

In 1885 construction of a new building began on Hungary Road and Rev. James Reynolds preached at North Run once a month for a salary of $80 a year. The main events of the year were the church picnic, held on the church grounds, and the week-long revival.                                                                                  

After a fire and several attempts to sell the property, North Run sold the property on Hungary Road to Faith Baptist Mission. This afforded the church the privilege of expansion. In 1959 the church relocated to its current location in Lydell Heights where the sanctuary and parsonage were built.

Dates of Interest

1910
North Run purchases land for a burial ground

1911
Motion passed to cut down trees to make room for a horse stable

1920
Church building receives electricity in June

1946
Church bulletins first published

1959

Church moved to Lydell Drive

1978
First performance of the Living Christmas Tree

2007

North Run completed the Outreach Center

In September 1970 North Run began the Pre-Kindergarten program with twelve four
and five-year-old students under the direction of Mrs. Alma Wilson, Principal. Today, this ministry continues to flourish with 78 active three and four-year-old students and a full-time staff. Our current director is Mrs. Kim Shumate. The Pre-Kindergarten was constituted as a nonprofit organization and is an extension of the community mission and educational ministry of North Run Baptist Church. Its purpose is to provide a high quality pre-school education in a Christ-centered environment.

With the welcoming of Dr. Atchley as Pastor in 1978, North Run began its presentation of The Living Christmas Tree. This Christmas presentation uses live greenery and music to present the Christmas story. Twenty-three years later, the program is still running strong and hosts as many as 300 guests in a single performance.

Today, North Run Baptist Church is ministered to by a Christ-centered staff. In 1998 we welcomed Dr. Tom Gaskins to lead our congregation. Pastor Tom believes in the power of positive thinking; at North Run, there are no problems, only opportunities.

Mr. Kerry Smith serves as Education and Youth Minister. Kerry came to North Run in 1999 and jumped right in with our youth and education programs. North Run has an active youth ministry.

We are also blessed to have the gifted Clara Jean Taylor who served as Music Minister for fifty (50) years, retiring in 2005, and continuing to play the organ every first Sunday for communion. Through her guidance grew a flourishing music department at North Run including adult, youth, children, and preschool choirs; adult, youth, and children handbell choirs; and ladies trio.  In 2007, Morgan Day became the Interim Worship Leader and the music ministry continues to grow under his inspired leadership. Mindy Varner came to us in 2007 as Pianist and accompanies the choir in all their music.

Denise Hall serves as church secretary. Denise joined North Run in 2001 and has enjoyed meeting the members and working with the staff. Denise creates and designs our weekly bulletins and monthly Witness.