Emanuel Baptist Church
100 E. Church Street
Orange, Virginia 22960

On January 8th, 1908, 38 persons were given letters of dismissal from the Nazareth Baptist Church in Orange, Virginia for the purpose of organizing a baptist church. These 38 individuals met in the Pythians Hall on Mill Street in Orange and were organized.

 The first Pastor, Reverend J.T. Strain, purchased land from Horace Scott and John Hughes. The land was paid for in cash. The church was built in May of 1910 and paid for in eight years. The deed was drawn up on the 22nd day of May in the County Clerk's office.

The first Trustees were Oregon Conway, Harrison Nixon, and Willie Ware. The first Deacons were Oregon Conway, Price Diggs, Willie East, Frank Ellis, Harrison Nixon, George Sheppard, and Willie Ware.

The first Church Clerk was Sarah Reid and Treasurer was Jane Wharton.

Lizzy Galloway was the Organist and Annie Scott was Sexton(janitor). 

There were five bondholders: Lula Jackson, Mary Jackson, Sarah Reid; and Mr. and Mrs. Willie Ware. By this time, membership had grown to 45 members.

At Emanuel, there have been called to serve 13 pastors: Rev. J.T. Strain, Rev. George E. Galloway, Rev. G.S. Russel, Rev. P.L. Henry, Rev. Goodall, Rev. Roy Austin, Rev. D.L. Dudley, Rev. G.L. Davis, Rev. Albert R. Ward, Rev. Charles D. Davenport, Rev. Anthony D. Holland, Rev. Tommie L. Bailey, and Rev. John L. Saunders.

Under each of their leadership during their time of service, much as been done in and for the church.

Between the years of 1927 and current day, there was an extension added to the church, and additional rooms added such as a kitchen and dining area, and more bathrooms. A baptismal pool added and a new pulpit set and a communion table and choir stand for juniors were added. New electrical purchases were made such as an electric bulletin board for outside the church, florescent lighting in the basement, new hardwood floors and carpeting were also purchased. There were electrical upgrades (including air conditioning) that were made.

Additional furniture was purchased such as a new organ and piano, hymn boards, new pews with cushions, deacon chairs, a podium, and flower stands.

Throughout the years of history of our church, there has been the richness of service by members of the church in many roles such as deacon, church clerk, treasurer, trustee, financial secretary, usher, choir member, pianist/organist, committee member and sexton.

We pray that with God's blessing and guidance, we will remain the church that sits on the side of the highway as a lighthouse to all people, still striving for the same purpose as those 38 persons who started this church so many years ago. To tell men and women, boys and girls, that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is still eternal life.