TOWN BLUFF/DAM B – On Sunday, May 31, Fairview Baptist Church will be celebrating 170 years of service and ministering to the Town Buff/Dam B community. Fairview’s origins date back to July 8, 1856, when a small group of people met in a school room in Town Bluff. The church was first organized and established as part of the Bethlehem Baptist Association and named The Fellowship Baptist Church of Christ. That one room school also became the first meeting place for the newly formed church. By Sept. 15, 1856, that original group of eight had grown to 40 charter members. Fairview was often referred to as “The Baptist Church at Fairview” or the “Baptist Church of Christ at Fairview.”
Around 1916 the church name was changed to Fairview Baptist Church. Unfortunately, there is no remaining documentation in church records regarding the name change. Over the years, Fairview has documented many of the other changes and events that comprise its rich history. The original minutes to that first meeting may still be viewed under a glass case in the church foyer.
In January of 1948 the school building was deeded over to the church. That was also the year that the church first got electricity. In the 1950’s an outdoor restroom was added. Finally in 1964, along with other church improvements, a well and 2 indoor bathrooms were installed. The current Fellowship Hall was dedicated in 1981. The addition of a fellowship hall has allowed Fairview to develop close ties with the community. In August of 1972 the church voted to accept placement of a ballot box for school elections. The church continues that tradition by utilizing the Fellowship Hall as a polling place for Town Bluff voters each election. The Fellowship Hall is used each year to reach out to locals by providing a free “Thanksgiving Dinner.” The dinner is usually held the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving. Weekly, members of the Town Bluff Community Watch gather in the Fellowship Hall on Thursdays to discuss local issues and frequently have guest speakers address topics such as crime, roadways, and other local concerns. Other types of events that have been held in the Fellowship Hall include receptions for weddings and funerals, birthday parties, game nights, potlucks and more.
Over the years since Fairview was first established, the Pony Express has come and gone, the first space shuttle was launched from Cape Canaveral, and Sept. 11, 2001, rocked our country. Fairview has also faced a variety of challenges and struggles to keep the doors open to the community. In January and February of 1936 no church services were held due to bad weather. On March 26, 1955, church couldn’t be held because someone had stolen the heaters and fans and it was just too cold to hold service without heaters. On Sept. 24, 2005, hurricane Rita caused severe damage in the area, so church services were moved to the outdoor breezeway. During COVID, when distancing became the social norm, church services were moved out to the parking lot. Church members participated while remaining in their vehicle. During that time, “Amen” was replaced with the honking of a car horn. Even though services returned to the sanctuary many months ago you may still hear an occasional response to the pulpit that sounds more like a honk than an amen.
Back in 1944 the church held its’ first Vacation Bible School to reach out to the children in the community. Over the years the population of children in the church has increased and decreased with the ebb and flow of change. This has not impacted the desire of the church to reach out into the community to participate in the care of each of these young ones. Fairview partners with other local churches when it comes time to staff Vacation Bible School. It is not unusual to find an almost one to one ratio of students to adults. This is a fact that comes in quite handy when it comes time to feed, teach, and entertain a large group of kids.
The pastor, Scott Loar, gets personally involved. He has risen to the occasion in past years, and one challenge even had him roof sitting overnight on the church roof. Unfortunately, during the night the ladder fell, and his wife had to be summoned to rescue him at 2 a.m. Another year he became a human hot dog allowing the children to squirt him with ketchup, mustard, and relish. He has received pies in the face and more to motivate participation. Fairview will be holding Vacation Bible School once again this year. The dates will be June 15 thru 18. Each night starts at 5:30 p.m. and wraps up at 8 p.m.
The community is welcome to join in the upcoming Homecoming Celebration on Sunday, May 31. The service begins at 10 a.m. with special singing, congregational hymns, and preaching. The services will be followed by a special catered dinner. As part of the festivities a handmade quilt is being raffled. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 dollars. The lucky winner will be drawn during Homecoming. Fairview Baptist Church is located at 3025 FM 92 South, Woodville, TX 75979. For more information, or to RSVP for the dinner please call 409-384-0492.
