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Little Mine Road Baptist Church in Spotsylvania County to celebrate its 150th anniversary Oct. 18 Date published: 10/10/2009
BY AARON RICHARDSON
Little Mine Road Baptist Church will celebrate its 150th Jubilee on Oct. 18. Founded in 1859, Little Mine Road Baptist is recognized as the oldest African-American congregation in Spotsylvania County. Vanward Stanard has attended the church west of Spotsylvania Courthouse since his birth. "We've had family members in the church since the beginning," Stanard, 69, said. "My grandfather was a deacon of the church, my father was a deacon of the church, I am a deacon of the church and now my son is a deacon of the church." Martha Rollins of Spotsylvania, who will turn 88 on Oct. 18, has been a member of the church since 1926, when she was 5. "We went to the church in a horse and buggy in them days," Rollins said. She has been an usher at the church since the mid-1970s, and doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. "When I took this job, I told God I wouldn't take my hand off the plow," she said. "And I'm not going to sit down until God tells me to sit down." Rollins said the church is a refreshing part of her life each week. "Sometimes I don't feel like going to church, but I get up and go anyway and when I come back I feel better," she said. Little Mine Road pastor Carson Jackson said he feels humbled to have the opportunity to lead the congregation. "It's an honor and a privilege to be chosen by God to lead people with such a rich history," he said. Jackson accepted the job as pastor of Little Mine Road last year and is dedicated to maintaining the church's reputation. "My vision so far has been to build on the foundation that has been started," Jackson said. According to the church's official history, it began as an offshoot of Mine Road Baptist Church, a white church on Mine Road. In the early days, the congregation worshipped in an old tent. It wasn't until 1877 that the church was able to purchase half an acre to build a permanent sanctuary. The church purchased the original plot for $2.
I often forget the things my grandmother, Martha Rollins, has experienced in her life. 88 years is a LOT of history and culture and knowing that Lil' Road, as we call it, has been the cornerstone of it warms my heart. I can't be there for the anniversary services, but I'll be there in spirit. Definitely a history and a heritage to be proud of!
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