"We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us"

Galilee Baptist Church was founded in the year, 1872 in Fluvanna County. After its organization, the first meetings were held under a brush-arbor. The founding members were: Martha and William Edwards I, Nannie A. Arnette, Jack Shepherd, Mary Jay Locker, James Shelton, I, P.B. Parrish, Joseph Shepherd and James Ware.

Miss Elvira Davis donated the parcel of land on which the first church building was erected. She also suggested the name of Galilee, which it bears until the present day. After twelve years of increasing membership and steady progression, the building caught fire and burned completely. The home of Peyton Shelton of Louisa County was used as the spiritual meeting place under the leadership of Rev. Daniel Taylor, for approximately two years until the time of his passing. Those initial members were heavy hearted, but not dismayed and toiled on. Shortly thereafter, the second and present Galilee Baptist Church building was erected under the leadership of Rev. Daniel Allen Coleman, who served for over twenty-seven years.

Galilee Baptist Church in 1974

The original detailed history of Galilee was destroyed when the home of the then clerk, Sister Lucy Arnette, burned. Galilee’s roll of Pastors consists of: Rev. N. Smith, Rev. D.A. Parker, Rev. N. Smith, Jr., Rev. W.O. Mayo, Rev. H.E. Williams, Rev. C.S. McCall, Rev. C.L. Motley, Rev. C.L. Murray, Rev. D. Taylor, Rev. D.A. Coleman, Rev. W.S. Parrish, Rev. R.J. Green, Rev. F.B. Berlack, Rev. H.R. Clarke and Rev. G.W. Christmas.

Under the leadership of Pastor Christmas, Wednesday night Bible teachings began and the church progressed from worshipping on two Sundays to four. Our current Pastor, Otis R. Spellman was sent to us in 1979 and was installed in 1980. Under Pastor Spellman’s leadership, there have been many changes and improvements to the structure of the church building. Most recently we’ve added classrooms, enlarged our kitchen and fellowship hall.

Galilee after the addition of the new fellowship hall in April 2000

But, the spiritual changes and improvements far outweigh the physical ones. Souls continue to be saved and the Gospel continues to be spread. We now have the option of worshipping every Sunday either at 8:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. Monday Night Bible Study has become a family affair with a dinner meal for all preceding the weekly teachings. The Wednesday Night Prayer Service now includes preaching by one of our Associate ministers. Every Friday night we are mighty intercessors during the Battleground of Victory and Deliverance Prayer Service.

Our Church auxiliaries continue to grow in number and in kind. We currently have 13 Associate Ministers, each of whom is spreading the Gospel in their own God given ways.

We ask the blessings of our Father that we may continue to carry on according to His will. That we may reach our destiny by making the cares of all the oppressed our own and help bring back the immense and ultimate hope of all mankind, which is, the establishment of the Kingdom of God on this earth and in our lifetime.

We pray, that we collectively remain faithful to Him until our promise of being a complete Battleground of Victory and Deliverance is fulfilled.