History of Glen Royal Baptist Church
1902
Glen Royal Baptist Church was organized in the fall of 1902. The church began as a Sunday School (1901, Royall Chapel) and was started by Dr. Charles E. Brewer, a native of Wake Forest. He served as our first Sunday School Superintendent. The new Sunday School met upstairs at The Royall Cotton Mill Company Store. The Mill Village, about 45 acres, was a new settlement and had a need for a church. A revival was conducted by Mr. Rivenbark, which brought about the baptism of twelve young girls – our “Charter Members.”
Bertha Blackley Viola Fowler Susie Martin
Lelia Blackley Sarah Frye Bertie Minga
Effie Branch Lillian Hicks Pearl Minga
Neva Davis Cornelia Martin Minnie Neal
They were placed under the “watchcare” of Wake Forest Baptist Church until a church could be organized. Rev. W. M. Whiteside was the first Pastor of the new church for only a short time. During the period when the church was without a Pastor, services were held every Sunday night with ministerial students from Wake Forest College as speakers.
Mr. Jim Frye gave the church its name “Glen Royal Baptist Church.” The building was a one-room school given to the people for the purpose of worship by Dr. W. B. Royall. It was moved to its present location in 1908. The Sunday School rooms were added in the 1930’s.
Many of the pastors have had short tenures and some have become the State and Southern Baptist leaders in denominational work. The longest pastorate in the history of the church was Rev. Jerald F. Fountain who was called in May 1962 through July 1995. Under his leadership, much was done in physical improvements of the church as well as many spiritual blessings.
In February 1964 a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the two-story Educational Building which can accommodate around four hundred people. The new building was dedicated in July 1964 and the cornerstone was laid in August 1964. Renovations in the sanctuary have included the addition of a new choir loft and baptismal pool, a new heating and air conditioning system, new light fixtures, new pews and carpet. Additional property exchanges have taken place including the purchase of a building on the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Oak Street known as our Youth Building. A new parsonage was completed in 1972 located on North Wingate Street.
The organizations and ministries of the church have reached out to meet the needs of the community as well as the members. Bus ministry evangelism was begun in 1972. Other organizations and activities include the Brotherhood, Woman’s Missionary Union, Children’s Worship, Senior Citizens Ministry, Cassette Tape Ministry to shut-ins, Brotherhood Ministry in Rest Homes, Choirs for all ages, Youth and Recreation programs, monthly publication of the newsletter “Glen Royal Crier,” Church directory, Vacation Bible School and a standard Sunday School.
Our annual Homecoming is scheduled for the last Sunday in September every year. Usually, the church has a special guest speaker for the morning worship hour followed by lunch and an afternoon song service.
We are asociated with the Raleigh Baptist Association, the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, and the Southern Baptist Conventon.
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