About Us

Church History

Chantilly Baptist Church has a rich history and has played a prominent role in the development of Northern Virginia and especially Western Fairfax County. Over the past 120 years, this church has touched many lives and helped to mold the character of many leaders within the immediate community, the state and nation. The following account summarizes the major milestones of the first 100 years and provides more detail of the events of the past 20 years.

Chantilly Baptist Church was organized in April 1880 by the following charter members: Brothers John Monroe, William H. Newman, Sister Ellen Lee, Nancy Coates, Victoria Coates, Levia Smith, and Emily Lockley. These members decided to organize as an independent Baptist Church. Reverend Marshall D. Williams was called to be the pastor and the Hiscox Baptist Directory was adopted as the secular guide.

During Reverend Williams’ tenure the church purchased one acre of land in 1881 and in 1887, laid the corner stone for its first edifice. In 1900, another acre of land was purchased for use as a cemetery. Reverend Williams served faithfully until he was disabled by illness in 1915.

During Reverend Williams’ illness, Reverend Daniel Lomax of Manassas, Virginia served as interim pastor. In 1925 he was installed as permanent pastor and serve faithfully until his death, in 1928.

In 1928 Reverend Oliver Hall of Chesterbrook, Virginia was called to be the next pastor. Under his leadership, worship services increased to two Sundays a month. Chantilly Baptist Church grew in membership and plans were begun to build a new edifice. Reverend Hall passed in 1950 and was succeeded by Reverend G.W. Martin of Washington D.C.

Under Reverend Martin’s tenure, two additional acres of land were purchased for $2,000. Part of the land would be used for the new building and expanded parking lot. Reverend Martin was called to another church and Reverend Robert E. McMorris of Washington, D.C. was installed as the new pastor in 1954. Under the leadership of Reverend McMorris, services were increased to every Sunday during the month and in 1955 the cornerstone was laid for the current structure. On September 22, 1957, the congregation marched into the new edifice. On April 4, 1965 the "Mortgage Burning" ceremony was held. In 1967, Reverend McMorris resigned and Reverend Leroy Oscar Payton of Alexandria, Virginia took the reins. He was installed as pastor in January 1968.

Reverend Leroy O. Payton provided faithful and progressive leadership. Just prior to 1980 the physical character of the church changed significantly. An annex was constructed that added a furnished kitchen, dining area, pastor’s study, officers’ room and rest rooms. A central air-conditioning system and baptismal pool were later constructed. The parking lot was paved with funds from the Willing Workers Club.

Spiritually, worship services were enhanced by the purchase of a new Allen organ and the donation of a piano by the Morning Star Club. The Deaconess also presented the church with a Public Address System. Membership increased significantly during this period and the Board of Christian Education was organized to address additional need for biblical training.

Since 1980 the growth of the church has been evident by expanding and new ministries. Under Reverend Payton’s leadership, the church was blessed with three sons, who were ordained and are pastoring in Northern Virginia churches.

An 8:00 AM Sunday Early morning service was added to the already existing 11:00 AM Morning worship service.

The Reverend Leroy O. Payton received the honorary Doctorate Letters. Reverend Dr. Leroy O. Payton served as moderator of the Northern Virginia Baptist Convention and served faithfully until his home going in September 1998.

The Church was spiritually led by the acting pastor Reverend Dr. Jerry Bryant in the absence of an installed pastor. Reverend Bryant was installed as Pastor of Chantilly Baptist Church in May of 2000, and is the current Pastor and spiritual director of Chantilly Baptist Church.

On July 20, 2002, a ground breaking ceremony was held to officially begin the process of the Building project.  The long awaited construction began on the new facilities in October 2002. The new facilities added space for classrooms, a larger fellowship hall, pastor's study, kitchen, and a more modern sanctuary.

Beginning October 2002, we held our worship services, classes, and meetings at Rocky Run Middle School located in Chantilly Virginia, a few miles from the church building.  

A dedication / cornerstone laying service was held in September 2003.  A walk-out service was held on October 11, 2003 to mark the last usage of Rocky Run Middle School.  A ribbon cutting and walk-in service was held on the same day to commemorate the usage of our newly refurbished / constructed facilities.