The Historic Clifton Baptist Church
Upon entering the little town of Clifton, it is easy to imagine you have just walked back in time into a Norman Rockwell painting. There are charming homes with yards and picket fences, several restaurants and small businesses, and a community park. Historic markers dot the streets telling stories of the builders and people who came before, and a train that chugs and whistles through town several times a day. In the middle of town is the beautiful, historic, green and white Clifton Baptist Church (CBC) with its gabled roof, arched gothic windows and tall steeple that houses the Church’s original bell. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
The charter for Clifton Baptist Church was signed in 1875 in the home of George W. Tillet, a civil war veteran who along with his veteran friends, built the first church building on the corner of Chapel Road and Main Street, which was completed in 1877. This first one-room church was either moved or burned. Construction on the current church building began in 1910 by the congregation and was completed two years later.
One feels the soul of the Church immediately; it is intimate in its simplicity. Its small size and simple interior create a peacefulness all notice. It still retains the original bull’s-eye molding, pews, and the thick walls covered in horse hair plaster known for providing strength and good preservation. Recent renovations have revealed a beautiful heart pine floor.
Services are held on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m., followed by an optional Life Application session from 11:30 to 12:00 where our Pastor, Dr. Charles Clark, addresses any questions or comments pertaining to the sermon. The Church also has a website where the recorded sermons can be heard. Pastor Chuck Clark received a Doctor of Ministry from Tennessee Temple University as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Virginia Baptist College and a Master of Arts from Tennessee Temple University. He has authored two books, “Just Breathe,” and “The Day God Wore Sneakers.” He is married and has three children with his wife Tammy, who leads in singing the morning’s hymns. The music ministry is made up of three members, two guitarists Charlie and Daniel and Kim the pianist. One church member, Miss Elizabeth, is 91 years old and has been attending Clifton Baptist Church since she was 8 years old.
Clifton Baptist Church offers a Bible Study led by Pastor Clark on Tuesday evenings, with a dinner at 6:15 p.m. followed by a Bible Study from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. A covered dish luncheon is held once a month.
Clifton Baptist is an active church and enjoys participating in many Clifton community events, including the Caboose Run, Clifton Day, and the Holiday Homes’ Tour. On Clifton Day in October, the Church provides a break for those attending - with tables and chairs, and dog water bowls in the shade of the church’s parking lot. A diaper changing station is also provided inside the church. At Christmas, the sanctuary is decorated and hosts a local high school choir during the Holiday Homes’ Tour. The music is always beautiful. Clifton Baptist Church is a friendly church with a Bible message and stands as a reminder of our American heritage and the freedom to worship together, which all hold so dear.
George W. Tillet would be happy to know that Clifton Baptist Church is still actively serving the Lord almost 150 years later.
The following are some comments from our congregation:
“Pastor Clark’s knowledge and delivery of Bible Truths is spot on. The Church Family knows, cares, supports, and loves one another in a genuine way: real people, real family, real Bible, real love, real community.”
“Pastor Clark makes Bible passages I had stumbled over for years, clear, relatable, and understandable. If we care to stay after the sermon, we are offered 20 minutes more of questions on Life Application of his sermon.”
“I finally found my home in CBC. Our Pastor feeds our souls and we sing hymns right out of the hymn book.”
“My hour or so every Sunday at church is the best hour of my week.”
“You are only a visitor once.”
Clifton Baptist Church (CBC)
7152 Main Street
Clifton, VA 20124
