HISTORY OF NEABSCO BAPTIST CHURCH

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The history of Neabsco Baptist Church is a profound testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring grace of God. Born in the crucible of the Civil War era, our story is one of newly freed believers transforming a secluded woodland gathering into a cornerstone of the community.

Our Journey of Faith

1860s

The Brush Harbor Church

In the midst of the Civil War, slaves laboring on the local Shepherd and Bailey plantations sought a place to safely express their faith. Honoring the scripture, "Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together," they cleared a spot nestled in a cluster of pine and cedar trees. This "Brush or Harbor Church" became a spiritual haven where men, women, and children could sing, pray, and give thanks to God for His protection.

1866

Guidance from Our Mother Church

Following emancipation, the newly freed community turned increasingly to the church as a center of hope. With the founding of the Third Baptist Church of Alexandria, Reverends
Fields Cook and R. H. Porter began traveling 30 miles by horse-drawn carriage to Neabsco to help formally organize our congregation.

December 5, 1881

A Permanent Home

A deed recorded at the Manassas Court House confirms the purchase of land from Richard H. Shepherd for eleven dollars. Originally deeded to the "New School Baptist Church," the name was officially changed to Neabsco Baptist Church. Brother George W. Thomas, a gifted carpenter, planned and erected our first permanent wood-frame building, complete with a bell tower. During this time, Reverend John Bell was ordained as our first pastor.

1957

Expanding Our Fellowship

For decades, the church celebrated "All Day Meetings" in May and August, serving fresh, homegrown meals on long tables outside. As the congregation grew, Deacon Provie Henderson (grandson of builder George W. Thomas) and Deacon George Fisher completed an indoor dining room, providing a permanent and comfortable space for our cherished community meals.

1978 – 1979

Unlocking the Doors Every Sunday

Thanks to a generous land donation from our neighbors, the Tacey family, the church underwent a massive renovation. Members laid carpet, hung doors, and added a choir room, office, and Pastor's study. Crucially, in 1979, Pastor Ambrose M. Perry declared that "No church doors should be locked on Sundays," transitioning Neabsco from bi-monthly meetings to weekly Sunday services.

1986 – 1990

Modernization and Growth

Funded by generous donations from members and neighboring churches across Northern Virginia, Neabsco paved its first parking lot, completed an indoor baptismal pool, and installed a modern audio system—all finished ahead of schedule and mostly debt-free.

2000s – Present

A New Chapter

As God continued to bless our growth, we moved into our current home at 15557 Neabsco Church Way in Woodbridge, Virginia. Under the leadership of our current Shepherd, Reverend Joshua W. Speights, Jr., we continue to move forward with a renewed spirit and vision.

A Heritage of Pastoral Leadership

Our forefathers made an outstanding cultural and spiritual contribution to our religious society. Their mournful prayers and spiritual singing laid a foundation that has sustained usfor well over a century. God promised, "I will give you pastors according to mine own heart," and He has faithfully kept that promise. We honor the pioneer ministers and dedicated shepherds who have led Neabsco Baptist
Church through the decades:

- Rev. John Bell (Our first ordained pastor, Woodbridge, VA)
- Rev. Richard Gibson (Stafford, VA)
- Rev. Louis H. Bailey (Occoquan, VA)
- Rev. Gilliam (Alexandria, VA)
- Rev. Pratt (Alexandria, VA)
- Rev. Felton (Washington, D.C.)
- Rev. Reuben Hall (Washington, D.C.)
- Rev. Ulysses Martin (Alexandria, VA)
- Rev. Dr. Ambrose M. Perry (Washington, D.C.)
- Rev. Joshua W. Speights, Jr. (Current Pastor, Dumfries, VA)

Stepping Forward In Faith

"Through the mercy of God, we have reached another time of celebration. As I reflect on
how far we have come, I know that it is only faith, diligence and above all the grace of
Almighty God who, by His hand of divine power, has allowed us to reach another milestone
in our Christian journey."

For over 125 years, Neabsco Baptist Church has been richly blessed. We acknowledge that we have truly come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord, and trusting in His Holy Word. As we
look to the future, we remain strong in our commitment to be warriors for God, building on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ.

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