Peace Baptist Church History
On November 26, 1968, after worship services at the Cartersville Baptist Church, Vienna, VA, the late Reverend Dr. Cecil E. Rhodes and a small group of dedicated Christians were led to start a new church and name it Peace Baptist Church.
On December 13, 1968, the official organizational meeting was held at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Mclean, VA. The meeting was moderated by Rev. Donald Caldwell, Dr. Rhodes and approximately 31 members were in attendance. The following church officials were elected: Rev. Dr. Cecil E. Rhodes, Pastor; Deacon Stanley L. Tanks, Chair, Board of Deacons; Deacon Edward Pearson, Treasurer; and Sister Mary Tanks, Church Clerk.
Members continued worshipping at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church while searching for a permanent location. By majority vote, the members agreed to pay the delinquent taxes on a parcel of land located in Dunn Loring, VA and secured the land upon which the present church stands. In May 1969, Peace Baptist Church was recognized as a Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of its founder, Dr. Cecil E. Rhodes. With God's guidance and protection, and under the leadership of Dr. Rhodes, and the fundraising efforts of a dedicated group of members, family and friends, the church moved forward to build an edifice in which to worship. On October 20, 1970, Groundbreaking Services were held at Joyce Kilmer School, Dunn Loring, VA. In March 1973, the building permit was obtained and construction began. In May 1979, the members marched into the church. Rev. Ronald Winters preached the Cornerstone Laying Service and Dr. Andrew J. Fowler preached the Dedicatory Service sermon.
Under the leadership of Dr. Rhodes, there was a succession of God-fearing ministers, deacons and laymen at Peace Baptist. Rev. Mary Woodson was the first female preacher. Sister Bertha Rhodes was the First Lady of Peace Baptist. The church became active in the National Baptist Association, Ministers, Deacons and Laymen's Union and the Northern Virginia Baptist Association. On June 20, 1989, the Lord took His servant home to rest. Dr. Rhodes was a faithful Pastor, cherished friend, gospel preacher and teacher, Christian gentleman, and servant of God. His life and works are still remembered and will forever live within our hearts.
In 1989, Rev. Ronald Winters was elected the second Pastor of Peace Baptist. Under his leadership, the church continued to grow. First Lady Janice Winters worked diligently in promoting Christian Education at Peace Baptist.
In November 1994, Dr. James E. Jefferies was called as the third Pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the church experienced tremendous spiritual and financial growth and increased membership; new organizations were formed and old ones revitalized; numerous deacons were ordained and several trustees appointed; new carpet, network computers, appliances, heating and central air conditioning, a 15-passenger van, pew padding, piano, drums and sound system, a new roof, copier and hymn books purchased. Restroom facilities, church steps and steeple renovated; handicap ramp and handrails installed; parking lot stoppers, concrete and parching installed; parking lot paved; commercial kitchen equipment installed, and many more beautification and safety provisions initiated. On January 24, 2007, his work was completed. God saw fit to call Dr. Jefferies to rest. His life and legacy will be remembered and will forever live within us.
On December 1, 2007, Peace installed and welcomed the fourth shepherd, Rev. Anthony D. Holland and his family, into the fellowship of Peace Baptist Church. His top priorities were to give structure and clarity to the numerous unwritten church policies which have become tradition over the years and to determine how best to organize and administer effective mission and ministry work. Under Pastor Holland's leadership, the church became an incorporated 501(c)(3) exempt religious organization; midday Bible study was instituted; position descriptions and a salary plan were developed for church staff; guidelines instituted for the Benevolent Ministry; Men and Women Ministries were organized; Restrooms on the main level was remodeled for wheelchair accessibility; building maintenance group was reactivated. New carpet was installed in the sanctuary in 2015. Major emphasis was given to developing a culture of financial stewardship, especially among church leaders.
Upon the departure of Rev. Holland in November 2016, the church was put under the spiritual leadership of the Deacon Ministry chaired by Deacon Stanley Tanks. In February 2017, Rev. Howard L. Butler was called as Interim Pastor of Peace Baptist Church. In a very short time, the church recognized how blessed it was to have this godly man. The church knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was a Godsend Rev. Butler immediately recognized that Peace Baptist Church was not on a solid footing spiritually nor financially. He immediately began the healing process. On July 23, 2017, Rev. Howard L Butler was installed as the fifth esteemed Pastor of Peace Baptist Church. He immediately reinstituted the Pastor's midday bible study and new membership classes, as well as providing discipleship training resources to the general membership. He also recognized that the church was in serious disrepair and began extensive structural improvements. Within months of his installation, Pastor Butler, First Lady Michelle Butler and church officers formulated plans for specific spiritual and financial improvements. Rev. Butler referred to his vision as "Back-to-Basics."
Rev. Butler has made a concerted effort to bring young people back into active fellowship and service by developing structured programs for youth, including revamping the youth choir, instituting youth church and other worship activities. Under his spiritual leadership, church funds, church membership and discipleship training have increased. Long needed structural improvements in and around the church have been made, i.e. AC repairs/replacements, sprucing up of the pews and pulpit, new glass windows, painting of edifice, etc. He continues his efforts to improve the organization and effectiveness of Peace Baptist Church.
