Harrisville Baptist Church

The Harrisville Baptist Church was organized on November 9, 1825 under the name of “Kabzeel Baptist Church”. We are one of the older churches in the state. The nineteen members called Elder John Drake to be their pastor. The people were from Simpson Creek Baptist Church, the oldest church in the state of West Virginia.
The first Baptist Church in what is now the town of Harrisville was a log structure built in 1845. The deed was one of the first recorded in Ritchie County.
The Civil War was a great disturbance to the church. The dissension among the people was represented in the church also. As part of the members on one side and part on the other, it made a strenuous time for the church. Church records stated “May 9, 1863 the church failed to meet in consequences of a raid of Rebel Calvary to the supposed number of 1500 entered Harrisville at noon on Thursday.”
In August 1886 a lot on Main Street was purchased. A loan was secured from the American Baptist Home Mission for the building. The building was completed in 1891, remodeled and enlarged in 1925 at the 100th Anniversary.
In April 1957 Church Trustees purchased the General Harris lot. A beautiful colonial structure was built. The dedication of the new edifice was held June 12, 1966. A steeple and carillon was added and a rededication and note burning service was held March 5, 1972. Stained glass windows were installed in October 1980.
The first parsonage was erected in 1910 – 1911. Having been remodeled in later years it was sold in 1988. A lovely brick home on Main Street was purchased in 1989 for a parsonage. The cost of the new parsonage having been underwritten through and by the generosity of the late sisters, Edna B. Layfield and Mildred Patton Duncan. Dedication service was held August 27, 1989.

Reprinted from the 1990 Church Directory (165th Anniversary)