Victory Baptist Church has worked to glorify God in Swain County since Aug. 20, 1950, when 17 devout congregants remodeled a garage to found a “premillennial, fundamental, independent Baptist church.”
An upward 225 believers, past and present, joined in worship and lunch to remember 75 years of church history Aug. 17.
“In July 1953, the small group began planning for a church building and the Lord provided the funds for the building,” said Pastor Brian Schuler, during Sunday sermon. “The property for the church was donated by George and Hettie Buchanan.”
Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan also donated land for the church’s parsonage, constructed in 1970.
Buchanan family members attended the church’s anniversary. Archie Watkins of The Inspirations even made an appearance, closing service with the song, “I Want to Stroll Over Heaven with You.” Many attendees were moved to tears.
“The first service was held in the new building in October 1954,” said Schuler. “Later, in 1957, three Sunday school rooms were added to the building. The small group continued to meet through the years and wait on God. Several Godly pastors such as J.J. Grant, Albert Robinson and Eugene Gibbs led the church during those years. It would be 1963 before the Lord began to guide other believers to join Victory Baptist Church. On Sunday, March 10, 1963, 16 people joined the church and Walter Hare was called as pastor.”
According to Schuler, five additional Sunday school rooms and other building improvements were made under Hare’s management. Hare also instituted a radio ministry.
Pastors Carl Chastain, James Pruitt, Harry Callahan and Herbert Brown, to list a few, ran the church around that time. Schuler refrained from providing exact dates, as he did not possess reliable documentation.
“We also had ladies in our congregation who led Bible clubs in the elementary schools in the county,” he added.
Pastor Tom Harris led the congregation from Jan. 1972 to Feb. 1998.
“He loved and served our church and all of Swain County for 26 years,” Schuler said. “He began an extensive visitation/bus ministry and daily radio ministry called ‘Sounds of Victory’ on three stations. We added the support of many missionaries and youth ministries through the years. Day care and kindergarten began in March 1976. We enjoyed the ministry of Victory Quartet and many souls ‘were added to the church.’ During his ministry, more land was purchased from the Buchanans and the first service was held in the ‘New Church’ building in August 1979.”
Pastor Danny Sweet served through 2010 and Pastor Jonathan Stephens took over from there.
Familiar with a life of service, Schuler answered his call to Bryson City in 2016.
Schuler served in the US Air Force from 1984-1992, during which time he was deployed to the Azores in support of Operation Desert Shield and stationed in Germany. It was overseas where Schuler found Christ.
“I received Jesus and He saved my soul,” said Schuler. “I trusted Christ as my Lord and savior and I was born again. I knew God had called me to serve Him by serving people. He opened the door for me to be a pastor, here. When the former pastor left, the church needed a pastor.”
As Victory Baptist Church had always done, Schuler left its doors wide-open to the community.
“We serve the whole community,” said Schuler. “In nine years, I’ve seen our congregation – Body of Christ – open doors to serve this community. There are a lot of things we do that we don’t put out there. We don’t do them to be highlighted. We love.”
Schuler quoted Matthew 25:1-40, closing with “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Blessing boxes
Victory Baptist Church serves the community in partnership with MANNA FoodBank twice per month. Its next food distributions will take place Sept. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sept. 25 from 3-5 p.m.
“We have 12-14 people who help with that on a regular basis,” said Schuler.
A “blessing box” filled with food and clothing is open to those in need 24/7.
Some congregants serve in area assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Others volunteer at the Swain County Senior Center. Meanwhile, Schuler delivers Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors.
Victory Baptist Church served as a community shelter during Hurricane Helene and the Sam Davis Fire.
The Victory Baptist Church Annual Fall Festival is Sept. 27.
“It is a gigantic fundraiser called Helping Hands Ministry,” Schuler said. “When special needs arise in the community or church, we help out with those funds.”
During Fall Fest, youth group members will raise money in plant sales to fund their summer trip.
The youth group minister is Associate Pastor Tanner Lawson, who has helped cultivate the group into what it is today.
“I have seen them grow spiritually with a mind for serving others,” said Schuler. “They are reaching out to each other and to other teams by following the teachings of Jesus.”
Schuler said the kids have learned from the church body’s demonstration of those teachings.
Approximately 40 youth, Pre-K through 12th grade students, actively participate in youth group.
Victory Baptist Church congregants will host a community Thanksgiving lunch following Sunday service on Nov. 16.
People are always invited to that,” Schuler said. “Come one and come all… we want to show you the love of Jesus by feeding you.”
As part of Victory Baptist Church’s 75th anniversary Sunday sermon, Schuler referenced, 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” – a mission of its congregants since 1950.
Youth group and adult Bible study take place every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. A dinner is held every other Wednesday at 5:45 p.m.
Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. every Sunday morning with worship starting at 11 a.m. Victory Baptist Church services are livestreamed and available to watch on Facebook.