In compliance with a solemn call of number of brethren and sisters, regularly given up from Union, Concord and Liberty Grove Churches for the purpose of constituting a church upon a written gospel covenant, Dudley Shoals Baptist Church was organized in 1861 with eleven charter members. They were John Gryder, Daniel Presnal, Daniel W. Presnal, Adolphus A. Gryder, Agnes Gryder, Elizabeth Presnal, Mary Presnal, Terah Presnal, Catherine Shearer, Mary Gryder, and Sara Gryder.
Elder Robert L. Steele was called as the first pastor and it was decided that public worship would be held on the second Saturday and Sunday of Each month.
It was thought by several that the first building was a one room log cabin about fourteen feet by sixteen feet located to the right of the crossroad, across from the present location of Dudley Shoals School, currently known as Gateway School. No record could be found as to the acquiring of this building or who owned the land upon which it stood. The first record of any land being owned by the church is two acres bought from Thomas Mears for one dollar ($1.00) in 1867. The second building of frame construction was no doubt built on this site and was used until 1901 when it was sold to the Caldwell County School Board for sixty-five dollars. The building was moved to the present school property.
It was in 1901 that the third building was erected on the present church site. It was fifty-four feet long, thirty-six feet wide, and sixteen feet high. During the early thirties, sixteen Sunday Schools rooms were added to this building. Much material and labor was donated. The material that was left over sold for twenty-eight dollars.
One Sunday night during December of 1948, this building was completely destroyed by fire. But the people of the Church, in spite of difficulties and discouragements, were soon planning for a new place of worship. In just eleven months the congregation moved into a beautiful auditorium. Into it had gone the dreams, sacrifices, hopes, and aspirations of the people to erect to God in faith a thing of permanent worth and service. With much lumber and service donated, the brick building was erected at a cost of approximately $40,000. The building was free of debt in December 1951. The dedication service was held on April 27, 1952. Rev. J.C. Brooks was pastor. Those taking part in the note-burning service were: Ray Miller, Fred Bowman, R.E. Sears, Sr., and J.C. Satterwhite, Sr.
Plans were shaping up for an education building in 1958. It was decided that the amount that had been going toward the debt of the pastor’s home be applied to the fund for the building since the home was not debt free. Construction began on June 16, 1959 and was completed in December, 1959. Rev. Hal Hovis was pastor when the church constructed the three story brick building housing 27 classrooms, five assemblies, three nursery rooms, and a pastor’s study.
In the late sixties, under the leadership of Rev. Donald Ferrell, new nurseries, a new porch, and a new steeple were added. Shuford Mills, Inc. made a contribution of $10,000 toward this building.
In 1983, with the continued growth of the church and under the leadership of Rev. Donald Ingle, the church approved the first of four Challenge To Build (CTB) programs. The theme of these programs is “Not Equal Gifts but Equal Sacrifice” The first CTB expanded the walls on each side of the sanctuary by 15 feet for additional seating of 200, expanded fellowship hall and classroom space at a cost of $200,000.
In 1990, the church approved the second CTB program in the amount of $500,000 for the construction of the second educational building including 19 new classrooms, new nursery space, and new offices. Following the first three years, the church extended this program into the third CTB for an additional three years. The church met Halleluiah Goal of $500,000 on April 13, 1997 when the loan was completely paid.
The fourth CTB was approved by the church on April 27, 1997 in the amount of $200,000 to pay for necessary improvements to the church that included: new roof on sanctuary and educational buildings, new heat/air purchase a new organ and piano, purchase a new bus, and constructed a shelter for van and bus.
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