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The 50 Year History of Foxworthy Baptist Church

50 years ago...

Foxworthy Baptist Church began with four families who met in the home of Don & Ellen Cosby.  One month later, they moved to a piece of property, which they described in this manner:

“...three acres with an eight-room house, barn, drying shed, garage and other buildings, located on the corner of Foxworthy Avenue and Quinto Way in an area with no church of any kind.  It is in the center of a growing suburb with a ten-year plan to develop more homes along with a shopping center, schools and commercial offices.”

“...Within a one mile radius of the church, almost two thirds of the land was used for farming or orchards.  Foxworthy Avenue was the main street.  Hillsdale, a narrow, two lane road, came to a dead end at an orchard just west of Quinto.”

June 5, 1955... Foxworthy Baptist Church  founded.  Twenty-seven people attended Sunday School, Church Training & Worship Services that first Sunday as a mission sponsored jointly by First Baptist Campbell, Alum Rock Baptist Church and San Jose Baptist Association. This small group became Foxworthy Baptist Church.  One month later, arrangements were made to purchase the property, at a price of $45,000.
  August 15, 1955...  Woman’s Missionary Society was organized and Ellen Cosby was elected president.
  August 17, 1955... The church voted to purchase their first 25 “Broadman Hymnals.”
  December 25, 1955...  J.E. Wales accepted the call as pastor, earning $40 per week.
December 1955...  This Worship Service in the old house in shows how quickly Foxworthy was outgrowing their facilities.
  January 4, 1956...  Cleta Kirby, Loy Harris & Ellen Cosby were appointed to look into the matter of purchasing trays & glasses for the observance of the Lord’s Supper. The church voted to purchase a house trailer for the pastor,  J.E. Wales to live in on the church property.
May 6, 1956...

Ground  Breaking Service for the first building.  The foundation was laid one year later & the building occupied on August 21, 1960.

  November 11, 1956... The first piano was purchased for $150.
  December 2, 1956...  Olan Kirby & Don Cosby were ordained as the first deacons at Foxworthy.
1957... Church address changed from 14100 Foxworthy Avenue to 1774 Foxworthy Avenue.
  January 1958... FBC: A house with the inner walls removed to give space, a basement partitioned into two departments, a Nursery building, the once upon-a-time garage, a four-room Junior department, an  office, a house trailer (for pastor to live) and a foundation for a new building.
January 26, 1958... Rev. Kenneth Allgood began his ministry as Senior Pastor.
  August 21, 1960... Moved into the first unit of new building - four years, three months & fifteen days after ground breaking. Imagine the excitement as they occupied that first building - one which they had prayed for, sacrificed for and personally helped build!
February 6, 1963... Church voted to start building process on Sanctuary and Education building.
January 5, 1964 New Sanctuary and Education building dedicated.
June 1965 Rev. Jerry Harris began his ministry at FBC as Associate Pastor
1969...  Fellowship Hall being built
August 2, 1969...  Sanctuary burns with $53,000 in damages.
  December 14, 1969... Sanctuary was rebuilt and congregation  moved back in.
  February 1, 1970...  Rev. Kenneth Allgood resigned after 12 years of service as Senior Pastor..
May 17, 1970...  Dr. & Mrs.Thurmond George accepted the call as Senior Pastor and began their ministry on July 1, 1970.
  August 5, 1970... The first issue of the “Foxworthy Newsette” was printed.
October 7, 1970... Foxworthy members voted to purchase 2 buses and start a Bus Ministry
November 22, 1970...

Shelden Russell accepted the call of Minister of Music and Adult Education Director and began his work on  January 1, 1971.

  December 9, 1970...

Fred Glass & Charlie Wright were voted in as the first two Sunday Route bus drivers.

January 6, 1971...  Dick Crider was called as Youth Director.
  July 7, 1971... Fleming Ave. Baptist Church requested to become a mission of Foxworthy.
  July 7, 1971...  FBC granted permission to Valley Christian Schools to use classrooms during the 1971-1972 school year.
  April 9, 1972... FBC went to two Sunday Schools and two Worship Services.
  August 20, 1972... Oscar Ledbetter was hired as full time Pastor of Fleming Avenue Baptist Church.
  October 4, 1972... Church radio program began, 5 days a week, 15 minutes each day.
   October 4, 1972... John Hunter began a Hungarian Mission at Foxworthy.
  July 9, 1973...  Dick Crider resigned as Youth Pastor.
 August 12, 1973... Ron Pratt was called as Youth Pastor.
  August 20, 1973...  The 5th bus was purchased.
  October 1, 1973... FBC began a Day Care School.
March 10, 1974...  The church library was opened with Martha Washington Allen, librarian.
  October 9, 1974...

Joe Caldwell was called as Minister of Outreach.

  October 9, 1974.. Fleming Avenue changed to Memorial Spanish Church, still a mission of FBC.
  October 9, 1974 ...  The Library reported having 1500 books.
  February 27, 1975 ... Dr. William Osborn was voted to fill the position of Family Counselor.
  July 7, 1975... Construction of the new 2 story & basement Education Building began.
July 30, 1975... Ed Adams was called as Minister of Education.

January 4, 1976...

New Education building completed and occupied.
  October 1976... Jerry Harris resigned to become a missionary to Barbados.
May 8, 1977... John Andrews was voted as College & Career Minister.
  August 1, 1977... Donna McLemore began as full time staff member to work with Senior Citizens.
  October 5, 1977... Andy Walker was voted in as Minister of Outreach.
  October 5, 1977... A van was purchased for the Senior Adult Ministry.
  January 4, 1978...   Rev. Katona was called to be part time pastor of the Hungarian Mission.
November 26, 1978... Rawlin Warta was called as Minister of Youth.
  March 1979... Martha Allen reported that after 5 years the Library has 6400 books and audiovisuals.
  April 9, 1979...  BR Bliss was elected Media Center Director.
  April 9, 1979...

Chris Evans was licensed to preach.

June 10, 1979...   Rick Pribbernow was hired as “Children Worker.”
  April 30, 1980...  Dr. William (Bill) Hendricks was elected as Interim Senior Pastor.
  September 2, 1980...

Church voted to proceed with Phase I of the renovations to the Fellowship Hall and relocation of the Media Center.

  September 30, 1980... The Day Care Center closed.
  January 1981...

 A church parsonage was purchased.

  January 7, 1981... Korean Baptist Church of San Mateo became a mission of Foxworthy.
January 11, 1981... Dr. James Reimer was called as Senior Pastor.
  October 7, 1981... Greg McLemore was hired as Interim Youth Pastor and Howard Coldwell, Jr. as Youth Music Program leader.
  October 7, 1981... Church voted to call Harold Lassiter to the position of Minister of Pastoral Care.
  October 7, 1981... Church voted for W.M.U. to sponsor a ‘Friendship International Program’ to teach ladies in the community to speak English.
  October 7, 1981... Church voted to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop to be used to reach boys and their families in our community.
January 6, 1982...  Donna McLemore was employed as Church Growth Coordinator.
  January 17, 1982...  Church voted to call Eddy Parsons as Minister of Outreach and Singles.
  March 24, 1982... Dr. William Schweer was called as Interim Pastor.
September 7, 1982...  Jim Silvers began his position as Senior Pastor.
  December 8, 1982...

 Jeff Scott was called as Youth Minister.

1983...  Keenager Ministry began
  January 1, 1983...  Ed Adams resigned to join Wayne Stockstill Ministries.
  January 19, 1983...

Chris Evans was called as an Intern in the area of  Developmental Ministry of Singles 30-40 and Drama and New Member Orientation

  January 19, 1983...  Mark Walters was called as Intern in the area of Developmental Ministry of Singles 25-30 and Discipleship.
March 20, 1983... Church voted to call Don Fugate to serve as Associate Pastor in Ministry of Music and he began his ministry - April 17, 1983.
  April 17, 1983... Don Fugate began his ministry at Foxworthy.
June 26, 1983... Church voted to call David Jarboe as Minister of Youth.
  July 13, 1983... Don reported that the Youth are “blooming in the Lord” as they led Back Yard Bible Clubs in Watsonville.  114 children were enrolled in 2 days at 5 clubs.  There were 60 positive responses and 4 professions of faith including 1 service man and 3 children.
  August 27, 1983... The first computer was given to the church.
  August 28, 1983... David Jarboe began his ministry at Foxworthy

1984...

Working with Spectrum Ministries in San Diego, Foxworthy began a ministry to Mexico, led by David Jarboe, Tim Brewer and Jerry Boggs. Many trips were made over the years with countless numbers of Foxworthy members involved in building projects, teaching VBS and ministering to the people in Mexico.
  July 17, 1984... Church voted to sell the Fleming Avenue Property to Santa Clara Korean Baptist Church.
  November 1984...   Steve Pope was hired as Minister to College Age
December 1984... The 1st Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose was held at the Montgomery Theater.
    July 1985... Foxworthy participated in the 1st Performance Seminar held at Jenness Park, led by Tom de Graaf.
  December 1985... The 2nd Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose was held at the Montgomery Theater.
  December 1986... 3rd Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose was held at the Civic Center.
  June 14, 1987... Church voted to enter a Capital Stewardship Program and look to relocate the church.
  August 2, 1987... Congregation voted to take the church off of the market.
  October 8, 1987... Church voted to give the California Baptist Volunteers in Missions our 3 old buses.
  October 11, 1987...

Church voted to Adopt the So. Baptist Church Annuity Plan effective January 1, 1988 for participation by our ministers.

  October 25, 1987... Church voted to adopt a room, furnish and staff it at the San Jose Family Shelter through the Concern for the Poor program.
  November 7, 1987... Church had the first Senior Adult Crafts Fair at Foxworthy in the Fellowship Hall.
  January 24, 1988... The W.M.U. was working on a Centennial Quilt portraying the W.M.U. throughout the past 100 years.
  April 1988... Gene Harrill and Ann Masters began a weekly Sunday School class at Driftwood Convalescent Home.
  May 11, 1988... Dorothy Edwards and Diann Fugate attended the W.M.U. Centennial Celebration in Richmond, VA.
  May 22, 1988... Children’s Church began.
  July 24, 1988... Renovations on the Ladies’ restroom was completed.
  July 24, 1988... The Shuttle bus was purchased.
  October 9, 1988...  Rodney Stutzman was called to serve as a Ministry Assistant to the Associate Pastor.
  January 8, 1989... Church voted to sell the parsonage on Texas Court and to pay off the remaining existing bonds.
  September 10, 1989... The sprinkler system was put in Nursery yard.
  October 17,1989... Office/Educational building & Sanctuary suffered damage from earthquake.
  October 9, 1989... Church voted to call Bill Sims to serve as Interim Pastor beginning October 30, 1989.
December 3, 1989... Bruce Wade was called as Senior Pastor to begin his ministry  January 1, 1990.
  January 1, 1990... Bruce Wade began his service at Foxworthy.
March 13, 1990...  George Weaver  was voted in as Youth Coordinator.
  April 5, 1990... Thursday morning Women’s Bible Study was led by Becky Wade.
  June 3, 1990... Church’s 35th Anniversary celebrated by Shelden Russell doing a mini-concert.
  June 6, 1990... Church voted to allow the Santa Clara Valley Baptist Association to lease office space at FBC.
  June 19, 1990... Doug & Mary Valkenaar started a “Preparation for Parenting” class.
  December 5, 1990... Church computer system was upgraded.
  April 1991... Easter Celebration had the best attendance in the last 5 years.
  April 25, 1991... The purchase of a new double door refrigerator for the kitchen was approved.
April 26, 1991... Pastor Don, Diann, Gem Moore & Rod Chatfield led the music for the State Minister’s Conference at Hume Lake.
  April 26, 1991... FBC purchased 400 new Baptist Hymnals!
  October 9, 1991... During his end-of-the-year report Pastor Don reported that the Christmas Gift to San Jose continues to be the single largest outreach event of Foxworthy Baptist Church.  Approximately 2000 people attended the 7 performances in 1990.
December 1991... FBC presented The 1st Annual 8-day Drive Through Living Nativity.
  1991...  Computerized lighting system was installed in Sanctuary and our Christian Education Scholarship Program was instituted
  January 1992...

God’s Olympic’s began

  February 23, 1992... Church voted to license George Weaver and call him as Minister of Youth to serve in the Intern Program.
  February 23, 1992... Church voted to license Tim Kauk and affirm his ministry in counseling.
  May 1, 1992... Church Bonds were called in early and paid off.
  June 5, 1992... Note burning service on church’s 37th Anniversary.  Dr. Thurmond George, special guest.
  June 28, 1992... Voted to enter into a building use agreement with the Korean Baptist Church of the World Mission from August 1, 1992 through July 31, 1994
  March 1993... Church became chartered into the AWANA Program - led by Gerry & Susan Vanderford.
 

March 1993...

Major renovation of facilities- Approximately $300,000 given by a church member to pay for new roofs, painting all buildings, remodeling bathrooms, installing new walks, new church signs and landscaping and purchase of a new van.
  April 1993... Purchased & installed a new electric movie screen and the spring of ‘93 marked our first use of TV for advertising.
  January 1994... Church approved to have  the plans to be a site for Golden Gate Seminary Extension.
  April 1995...  Youth E-Groups began
  October 1995... FBC voted to give authority to Operation Share to use our facilities as a weekly food distribution site.
  February 18-20, 1996...  Heaven’s Gates/Hell’s Flame’s outreach was presented
April 1996... FBC voted to name the library “Martha Washington Allen”  in memory of Martha.
  February 26, 1997... FBC votes to sponsor a new church start in Almaden Valley.
January 1, 1998... Derek Bishop began his ministry as Minister of Youth
  July 1998... Youth Choir tour to Canada
  September 1998... Bruce Wade resigns as Pastor.
  December 1998... $15,000 donated to begin process of paving our parking lots.
  December 1998... 15th Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose
  December 1998... Operation Share gives out 75 food baskets to needy.
  January 1999... Praise Band and Ladies Ensembles formed.
  January 1999... Media Library renovations were completed
  April 1999... CARE Night begins on Tuesday nights under the direction of Gary Knox.
 

May 26, 1999...

Front & side parking lots repaired and re-striped.
  May 1999... Derek Bishop resigns as  Minister of Youth
  May 1999... Gary Knox and George Weaver hired as Pastoral Interns
  July 1999... Youth Choir tour to Glorieta, New Mexico (Centrifuge)
  August 1999... Dr. Mike Stewart concludes 3 month preaching term.
 

September 1999...  

George Weaver ordained to the Gospel ministry.
  October 1999... 1st Annual Church family campout at KOA, Watsonville (80 in attendance)
  November 1999... Rick Durst concludes 3 month preaching term.
  December 1999... 16th Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose
  December 1999... Arturo Velarde ordained as Pastor of the Hispanic Ministry & Randall Ireland ordained to the Gospel Ministry and called as Minister of Education to Panama Baptist Church in Bakersfield.
  February 2000... 8 rolls of new commercial carpet donated to the church.
  March 2000... Intercessory Prayer Ministry begins.
  April 2000... George Weaver hired full-time; church votes to pay Arturo Velarde $500. per month.
  April 2000... Carpet installed in children’s area and adult classes over the Fellowship Hall.
May 2000... A brand new 15 passenger van donated to church
  May 2000... A gift of new carpet for the worship center stage is given.
  May 2000...  AWANA completes its 7th year under the leadership of Gerry & Susan Vanderford.
  May 2000... Mexico Mission Trip
  June 4, 2000...  FBC Celebrates 45th Anniversary  Jerry Harris, guest speaker, Shelden Russell & Donna McLemore led out in Music Worship.  The service was followed by lunch and a time of sharing and fellowship.
  July 10-15, 2000... Youth Choir participated in Son Power 2000 in Orlando, FL.
  October 13-15, 2000... 2nd Annual Family Campout at KOA.
November 13-20, 2000... FBC’s  1st time as Operation Christmas Child drop-off station.
December 2000... 17th Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose
  December 2000... 10th Annual Drive-through Living Nativity
April 22, 2001...  FBC voted to offer John Myers the position of Senior Pastor
  February , 2001... George Weaver went home to be with the Lord.
  March 10, 2001... 1st Annual All Church “Old Fashioned Gospel Sing.”
  May 20, 2001... Pastor John Myers began his ministry at FBC as Senior Pastor.
   June 20, 2001... FBC voted to allow Valley Christian Elementary School to use the church facilities.
June 21, 2001...  Women’s Ministry had their first International Fondue Night.
  July 2001... First Annual China Mission Trip.
  July 11, 2001... The Media Library received new carpet.
 

August 2001...

1st Annual Media Library Week.
  Sept. 9, 2001...  “Fall Roundup” kicks off the new Sunday School year.
  Sept. 2001... 1st Annual Women’s ‘Mini Retreat’.
October 2001... 5th Annual Family Campout.
 

October 2001...

The first issue of Women’s Ministry monthly newsletter was published. Also, the Women’s Ministry voted to sponsor a child through World Vision.
  November 2001... Women’s Ministry put together 135 Christmas gift bags to take to the Willow Glen Convalescent Home.  This ministry was headed up by Pamela Myers.
  January 27, 2002... 10th Annual God’s Olympics Opening Ceremonies
  February 15, 2002... Ladies’ Scrapbook and Craft Nights began
  April 2002... The work on the new baptistry and stage reconstruction began and bids for the new awnings outside of the sanctuary are being accepted.
May 17, 2002... Children’s Summer Program “F.U.N.K.”  begins led by Elizabeth Ketterer.
May 2002... Annual Dinner Theater under the direction of Cinda Brewer & Gene Martinez.
  June 19, 2002... Children’s ‘Veggie Tale’ summer begins, led by Sandi Flowers.
July 2002...  John Flowers accepted the position of AWANA Commander.
  July 17, 2002...  FBC voted to commission Gerry and Susan Vanderford into the mission work as AWANA Missionaries.
  July 21, 2002... Fellowship honoring Gerry & Susan Vanderford for their leadership in AWANA.
  September 8, 2002... AWANA begins again under the learership of John & Sandi Flowers.
 April 17, 2003... Pastor Don and Diann Fugate celebrated their 20th year of ministry at FBC.
  April 26, 2003... Men’s Ministry monthly breakfast meetings begins.
  June 14, 2003... New Members “FUSION” class begins.
  July 2003... Adult Joy Choir Tour to Hawaii.
December 2003...  20th Annual Christmas Gift to San Jose
  May  2004... The Media Library celebrated its 30 year anniversary.
  June 2004... Emilio Herrera and Steve Alexander were ordained as deacons.
June 13, 2004... Pastor Don Fugate completed the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Worship Studies from the Institute for Worship Studies in Orange Park, FL.
July  2004... Adult Joy choir Ministry Tour to Washington & Victoria, Canada.
September 25, 2004... 40 Days of Purpose Campaign begins.
  November 2004... Church Clothes Closet opens.
November 2004... Operation Christmas Child received over 20,000 shoeboxes!
  January 19, 2005... “On Track” Discipleship classes begin.
  May 2005...  Parking lots were repaved and striped.

 

June 4 - 5, 2005..

.

 FBC celebrates God's faithfulness through 50 years of ministry!

Foxworthy Baptist Church * 1774 Foxworthy Avenue * San Jose, CA 9512  *  (408)269-1212 * FAX (408) 269-1213

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