Crestview Baptist Church started as a Mission sponsored by the Haywood Baptist Association.  The first service was held on Sunday, April 1, 1962 in a building that had previously been an auto repair shop.  The building looked very presentable with pews, pulpit and a piano which had been donated by various churches in the county.  Hymnals had also been donated.  There were forty-three in attendance on that spring Sabbath morning.

Rev. Wayne Sorrells preached the first sermon based on Matthew 16:18: “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”  The first song they sang was “Onward Christian Soldiers.”  Even though it was April, the weather was still cool.  There was an old-fashioned wood heater with a fire going, and after the service they stood around that warm stove and talked and fellowshipped as they would do on many following Sundays and Wednesdays.

Rev. Sorrells gave up his job as Associational Missionary and became the first Pastor and under his leadership they began to think of building a church.  Actually the ideal spot was available just out the road from the Mission.  It was the old Osborne Dairy Farm property.

Through prayer and planning, God provided a way to raise the money to purchase the property.  Some of the money was left over to go to the first building which is now the fellowship hall.  The building was completed in July of 1964.

The Crestview Mission was organized as a Baptist Church on September 25, 1965 with eighty-seven charter members.  Fifty of those are now deceased.

In December of 1985 the church voted to build a new sanctuary.  Charlie Brown laid all of the brick without charge with the help of many volunteers.  The first service was held in the new building in December 1986.  The Rev. Danny Shore was pastor at that time.

In 2009 Rev. Dan Page came to be Crestview’s Under-Shepherd, and under his leadership, the church has grown extensively.

Sadly, Rev. Wayne Sorrells who contributed so much toward the founding of the Mission, passed away in April of this year.  He was scheduled to bring the Homecoming message.  He would have enjoyed the 50th celebration so much.  This special service is dedicated to his memory and to all who helped Crestview get started.

For all that has been accomplished over the years, may God be given the glory and may He guide His church to fulfill the mandate we have been given:  to reach our valley and beyond with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

On Sunday, August 19, 2012 beginning at 11:00 am Crestview Baptist Church will celebrate their 50th Anniversary Homecoming.  Keith Beck will be speaking, and a video presentation will be shown.  Brian Conard and his band “Cold Mountain” will be providing Bluegrass/Gospel favorites during the homecoming meal.  Bring a dish, invite family and friends, and join us for a great day of worship.  The church is located at 3258 Pisgah Drive (Highway 110 South) in Canton.  For more information, call the church office at (828) 648-1110.