History of Long Leaf Baptist Church
Beginnings and Early Growth
Long Leaf Baptist Church began as a mission of Sunset Park Baptist Church in January of 1944. Ninety people attended the first service, and in October of that same year, the mission was officially organized into Maffit Village Baptist Church with 55 charter members.
Expansion and Name Change
In 1951, under the leadership of Pastor Dowd, a groundbreaking service was held for the construction of a two-story education building with a temporary sanctuary.
Pastor Dowd resigned in September of 1953, and the church called Reverend W.E. Entrekin as pastor. In 1954, the residential area known as Maffit Village — after which the church was named — was sold and renamed Long Leaf Park. Following this change, the church voted to rename itself, and in November 1954, the name Long Leaf Baptist Church was officially adopted.
Property Expansion and Pastoral Leadership
In 1956, the Cape Fear Presbyterian Church property adjoining Long Leaf Baptist Church became available. The church voted to purchase the property to accommodate future expansion.
Pastor Entrekin resigned in March of 1958, and in May of that year, Reverend R.L. Wilson was called as pastor. Pastor Wilson served faithfully for over six years before resigning in November of 1964.
A New Vision
Five months later, in April 1965, the church called Reverend M.E. Gibson as pastor. Even before accepting the call, the Lord had given Pastor Gibson a great and exciting vision for Long Leaf Baptist Church — one of tremendous growth and expansion.
The final loan payment for the two-story educational building was made in September of 1966. In 1967, plans were laid for a new sanctuary, and that vision was fulfilled eleven years later when the new sanctuary was dedicated on
Easter Sunday, 1978.
Pastor Gibson concluded his ministry in April 1979 after fourteen years of faithful service.
Seasons of Growth and Evangelism
Reverend Dennis Wilson served as pastor for nine months before the church called Reverend Johnny Hunt in April 1981. Pastor Hunt’s passion for evangelism brought tremendous growth and an increased need for more space. The sanctuary expansion was completed in September 1985 and was dedicated at the 41st Homecoming Service.
Pastor Hunt resigned after a fruitful ministry of over five years.
A Legacy of Fellowship and Conservative Values
On January 11, 1987, the church called Reverend Eugene Ridley, who served as pastor for 28 years. Pastor Ridley instilled a strong love for fellowship and a deep commitment to ministering to the spiritual needs of the congregation. He upheld traditional, conservative values and remained committed to spreading the Gospel message.
Modernization and Revitalization
In January 2017, the church called Reverend Joshua Reilly. Pastor Reilly was used by the Lord to restore unity during a time of division and has led the church in a season of revitalization.
Under Pastor Reilly’s leadership, Long Leaf Baptist Church has made numerous modern updates, including:
- Renovations to the children’s area, lobbies, and fellowship hall
- Installation of a new roof
- Painting projects
- Parking lot updates
- Demolition of the old parsonage
- Installation of a new LED church sign
In addition, Pastor Reilly led efforts to modernize worship by:
- Installing new speakers, a soundboard, keyboard, and projection screens in the worship center
- Shifting to a blended worship style
- Launching a church website and maintaining an active church Facebook page
A Vision for the Future
Pastor Reilly has a heart for leading the church to fulfill the Great Commission. The vision God placed on his heart for Long Leaf Baptist is to see:
- Multitudes Saved
- Multitudes Baptized
- Multitudes Growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ
The strategy to achieve this vision is to be a church that is:
“Loving…Teaching…Reaching.”
Pastor Reilly remains committed to preaching the truth of God’s Word and leading the church to be a people who are continually growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
