“A beacon of the Gospel in the Green Mountains for nearly two hundred years.”
Our story is one of God’s faithfulness — through seasons of growth and seasons when only a handful gathered to pray. From a stone meetinghouse raised by hand in 1837 to the worship that fills these walls today, the Lord has kept a witness for Himself on this Vermont hillside.
1837
The church is organized in Weathersfield Bow after residents separate from the Center church. An Ecclesiastical Council approves its formation at the home of William Jarvis, who deeds land for the sum of one dollar “for the erection of a house of Public worship.”
1838
A stone meetinghouse with hand-hewn timbers is built at a cost of $3,300, funded largely through the sale of pews. Benjamin Holmes is installed as pastor in December at a salary of $450 a year plus $50 in produce.
1841–1866
The young congregation is shepherded by a succession of faithful men, including John Dudley (1841–1845) and George White (from 1866).
1936
After hard years, membership dwindles to just two women — yet the lampstand is not removed. Dr. Augustine Jones soon helps revive the church to eighteen members by the late 1930s.
1938
The church celebrates its centennial on July 31 — one hundred years of gospel witness in the Vermont hills.
1955–1970
Under Pastor Hial Snell the building is improved with a Wurlitzer organ (1957) and a new heating system (1962); a renovated basement (1944) had already opened the doors to community gatherings.
1972
Wes and Joy Smith reopen the church, and the congregation embraces a renewed evangelical, Bible-preaching ministry.
1977 → 1982
The church is renamed Bow Bible Church, and in 1982 takes its present name — Bow Baptist Church.
1983
A Christian academy is launched, ministering to families and children in the surrounding community.
1987–2025
Pastor Walter McDaniel serves faithfully for over three decades (1987–2020), overseeing extensive renovations, followed by Pastor Daniel Anderson (2020–2025).
May 2026
After a season under interim Pastor Tom A. Faulk, the church family unanimously calls Pastor Wesley Allen to shepherd Bow Baptist. He officially begins his ministry on June 1, 2026 — the same gospel, a new chapter.
Today
The same gospel still rings out from the hill — preached from the King James Bible, sung in the old hymns, with the door open to every soul who comes.
The next chapter of this story is still being written — and there’s a place in it for you and your family.
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