History of First Baptist Church–Cape Charles

From humble beginnings in the homes of railroad workers to the present day, First Baptist Church–Cape Charles has woven a legacy of faith, community, and servant leadership that spans more than a century.

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Origins: Prayer Meetings and the Birth of Hollywood Baptist (1885)

In early 1885, families who had relocated to Cape Charles for railroad work began hosting prayer meetings in their homes, moving from one house to another. Their shared desire for worship led a small committee to secure a meeting space on Strawberry Street. That spring, this rented hall became the birthplace of a permanent congregation. The group formally organized and adopted the name Hollywood Baptist Church, gathering faithfully in spaces provided by friends and neighbors.

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Erecting the First Sanctuary on Monroe Avenue (1885–1892)

The Scott Estate, which owned much of the land in Cape Charles, donated a lot in the 600 block of Monroe Avenue. The church seized this opportunity to build its first dedicated sanctuary. Under the leadership and skilled carpentry of Deacon H. C. Howard, and with many volunteer hours, the congregation quickly raised the walls, welcoming worshippers by summer. The church called its first pastor, Rev. J. B. Randolph, in the summer of 1885. Rev. T. W. Nettles, previously of First Baptist Church, Capeville, succeeded him and served from 1885 to 1892.

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Adopting the Name “First Baptist Church” (1893–1899)

In 1893, responding to what the congregation described as a Macedonian call, they invited Rev. William Dixon of Hampton to lead. Under his guidance, the church officially changed its name to First Baptist Church. Attendance and finances grew, inspiring dreams of a larger and more beautiful worship space. After Rev. Dixon accepted another ministry call, the church relied on itinerant missionaries until the spring of 1899.

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Laying Foundations for a New Edifice (1899–1914)

Rev. George E. Reed briefly served as pastor from 1899 to 1900. During this period, the church began negotiations with the Scott Estate, securing a new site at the corner of Madison Avenue and Nectarine Street, along with an adjacent lot. Early in 1900, the original Monroe Avenue building was removed, and Rev. W. H. Davenport of Philadelphia was invited to serve as pastor. Over his fourteen-year tenure, the cornerstone was laid for a handsome new sanctuary, funded entirely by the faithful gifts of a small but devoted membership. In 1914, Rev. Davenport retired due to declining health.

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Growth and Consolidation under Rev. P. W. Cook (1914–1926)

Later in 1914, Rev. P. W. Cook arrived to supply the pulpit and was soon called as pastor. Under his leadership, the church saw extensive interior enhancements that enriched worship and developed a solid reputation across Virginia’s Eastern Shore. After twelve years, Rev. Cook resigned in 1926.

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Transition Years: Lee, Brinkley, and Cook’s Return (1926–1945)

• Rev. T. D. Lee of Norfolk served briefly from 1926 to 1928.

• In 1931, Rev. J. H. Brinkley led a season of numerical and spiritual growth until health concerns led to his departure.

• By spring 1939, Rev. P. W. Cook returned to restore his health and again led First Baptist through World War II until June 1945.

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Postwar Expansion: Campbell and Pugh (1945–1956)

After Rev. Cook’s departure, Rev. G. G. Campbell served as pastor for four years. Following a 15-month vacancy, Rev. S. E. Pugh arrived from Yorktown in October 1950 and served until February 1956. During Rev. Pugh’s leadership, dormant ministries revived and significant physical improvements modernized the building to meet mid-century needs.

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The Wilson Era: Stability and Growth (1956–2002)

In 1956, Rev. R. W. Wilson began a forty-four-year pastorate marked by steady expansion. Membership grew consistently, and a multipurpose annex was constructed to host fellowship meals, children’s programs, and outreach activities. Rev. Wilson’s passing in 2002 closed a defining chapter in the church’s history.

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Servant Leadership of Rev. Felton T. Sessoms (2003–2023)

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In June 2003, the church extended the Macedonian Call to Rev. Felton T. Sessoms of Nassawadox, affiliated with Bethel Baptist Church in Franktown. Over two decades, Pastor Sessoms modeled servant leadership, believing no task was beneath him, and embraced the motto “Ministering Upward, Outward, and Inward.” He transitioned church governance from boards and committees to team-based ministries, emphasizing evangelism and disciple-making. “Some plant, some water, but God gives increase.” He championed holistic care for congregants, intentional community outreach, and embraced youth ministries as essential for the church’s present and future. Pastor Sessoms also enhanced the church’s technology in teaching, preaching, and presentations, and a new Pastor’s Study was constructed during his tenure. His retirement in June 2023 left a legacy of empowerment, unity, and Christ-centered service.

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Looking Ahead: A New Season of Leadership

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Reverend Rickey R. Rouse, Jr. was called as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Cape Charles, VA. With renewed focus on community outreach, development, and partnerships, First Baptist is breathing new life into the community it has served for over 140 years and is positioned to make a lasting impact for years to come. Pastor Rouse is active with The Tidewater Baptist Metro Ministers Conference, the Virginia Beach Fellowship of Churches, The Eastern Shore Virginia & Maryland Baptist Association, and The Baptist General Convention of Virginia, where he serves as a board member of The Commission of Christian Faith Formation.

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As Senior Pastor, Reverend Rouse has guided the congregation into its next chapter with strong emphasis on community outreach. New relationships have been established with the Town Council, Myrtle Landing (a senior community), Kiptopeake Elementary School, and Northampton County High School, where First Baptist supported students, faculty, and staff in several efforts within Pastor Rouse’s first three months. Most notably, a mentorship program with the high school was established for the 2025–2026 school year, in which Pastor Rouse partnered with Principal Clark to mentor boys ages 14–18, guiding them to become men who love themselves, their families, their communities, and who are committed to giving back and growing into productive citizens.

Rooted in faithful witness, the church stands ready to embrace a fresh vision, continually offering glory to God. Under Pastor Rouse’s leadership, the church adopted the new motto, “THE C.A.P.E.”—Christians Advancing Peace & Evangelism!—inspired by 1 Corinthians 9:22–23: “When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”