Sunshinefwb.htm

SUNSHINE FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH

2071 JAMES RIVER ROAD

HUNTINGTON, WV 25704

304-429-3831

The Old Sunshine

The "Community Church," as Sunshine was known in its beginning, was founded in 1938. A group of people from Westmoreland Baptist built the first building and started a church on James River Road. On June 27,1941 Sunshine Freewill Baptist was properly organized into a body by councilmen Rev. O. C. Berry Chairman Rev. J. C. Wilcox, and Brother Morrison from the Brotherhood Conference. Rev. O. C. Berry was elected first pastor, J. M. Cook was appointed deacon, and Brother Arnold Mollett was elected clerk and secretary. Total membership was twelve. Regular services were conducted in a one room wooden frame building, which was enlarged twice over the years.

In 1988, Sunshine's membership had risen to 122 and the need for additional room was evident. Plans were formulated and in November 1988 construction began on a new building on the corner of James River and East Roads. April 1989 marked the completion of that plan. The first meeting was held in the new church on April 16, 1989, which is down the hill from the old church.

Growth has once again caused new plans to be formulated. A new fellowship hall, which will house classrooms, a gym, choir practice room, commercial type kitchen, and other amenities is among future needs. The membership which totals 216 at the present time, continues to grow and with that growth comes the need for reaching and providing for our church family and neighbors in all aspects of their lives.

The Present Day Sunshine