Sunnyvale Baptist Church

Sunnyvale Baptist Church was organized on September 6, 1911, with W.F. McMahan serving as pastor from that time until 1915. Services were held in the community's school house until an actual church could be built. The church's Homecoming celebration is held on the first Sunday of September each year.
W.F. McMahan was succeeded, for a brief period, by Lee J. Jones before W.S. Shuford took over. In 1917, B.B. Styles began his 11-year term, which qualifies as the 2nd longest term of any pastor at Sunnyvale Baptist Church. W.F. McMahan returned in 1928 and became the first of four preachers who would serve two, separate terms at the church. The following year, in 1929, Sunnyvale joined the Blue Ridge Association. 1931 marked the end of McMahan’s 2nd term; and H.H. Justice became pastor for a year’s time before the church was taken over by Mr. Condrey, who served for 6 years. After Mr. Condrey, the church had multiple preachers for many years, most of which averaged 1-3 year terms. This included (preachers in order): Mr. Green, Millard Hall, Carl McKinney, Jack Guffey, Adam Mills, Roy Webb and Clyde Hall. Adam Mills served twice; from 1951-1953, and again from 1957-1960, after which there was a 3-year increment where Sunnyvale did not have a pastor. In 1963, H.H. Justice returned and began his 2nd term, which carried over into 1970. Johnny Johnson became pastor in 1970. After 2 years, Ray Holland became pastor and served Sunnyvale until 1978, at which point Mr. Johnson returned until 1983. Mr. Johnson was succeeded by Ronnie Gentry, who preceded the church's current pastor, Jimmy Buchanan, who started his term in 1986.
Sunnyvale Baptist Church sits on its original site today; however, the original structure was torn down and reconstructed into the current building in the 1950's. After heavy snowfall in 1960, the roof caved in; and some remodeling took place whenever the new roof was put on. In the 1990s, the parking lot was paved and the sanctuary was updated with new carpeting, stained glass windows and the wooden pews were padded and upholstered. This update was followed by a reconstruction of the steps and handicap ramp leading to the church's main entrance.
The basement of the church, where the Sunday School classrooms and restrooms are located, was completely remodeled in the early 2000's. This remodel added a fully functional kitchen, where food could be prepared and easily served for fellowship dinners and other special occasions.
For decades, a pavilion has been situated at the back of the church. This allows extra seating for dinners and other occasions. Many travelers, who are passing through, often stop by and use the pavilion for picnics. The church is also a pit stop for participants in the annual mountain biking century, Assault on Mount Mitchell. The pavilion overlooks the stream that runs along the side of the church, and provides a comfortable area to relax as you take in and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings; it is a good place to appreciate the Lord's handywork.
Since 2014, Sunnyvale Baptist Church has been in the process of becoming an Emergency Center. With the risky nature of the mountain roads and poor cellular phone service in the area, it is obvious that such a center is beneficial in this location. Though the church is not a medical facility, it currently does offer an emergency phone on the front of the building, which is available to anyone who may need to call for help. When this project is complete, first responders will have access to an AED and First Aid Kit on site.
Throughout the life of the church many families have come and gone, but the familial atmosphere remains for the current congregation and visitors. This "pretty little white chapel, in the mountains by the stream" is not likely to be forgotten by anyone who visits. The natural beauty surrounding it will leave an everlasting, surrealistic scene in the minds of those who behold it. There is a quote, "Little is much when God is in it", and the works of Sunnyvale Baptist Church is the very epitome of that saying.

By: Joy Inman & Maggie Hettenschuller