The Beginning: 1985-1987

The vision of Middle District Baptist Association in 1981 was to purchase a six-acre plot of land on Ironbridge Road for the purpose of starting a new church. The county was experiencing a tremendous surge in population. Mission-minded Baptists envisioned a great church in the Chesterfield Courthouse area that would reach unsaved people for Christ and minister to their needs.

In July 1985, the association to help establish a Southern Baptist church called Dottie Williamson, a church planter with the Home Mission Board. Dottie's vivacious personality was a great motivation for all that joined in the work. A weekly Bible study began meeting in the homes of two of the families. They chose the name Ironbridge Baptist Chapel (later renamed Ironbridge Baptist Church). Branch's Baptist Church in Richmond agreed to be a sponsor and Second Branch Church in Chesterfield provided assistance with visitation and outreach.

The number grew quickly and word began to spread. Soon the group outgrew the home meetings and began seeking a larger place to worship.

On October 6, 1985, Ironbridge Baptist Church began Sunday worship services in the evenings at Trinity United Methodist Church in Chesterfield. Forty-nine people attended the first service. A dedication service was held a few weeks later with 24 persons signing the Charter committing them to the ministry of a new church.

From the beginning, music was an important element in binding the fledgling congregation. Each week with different speakers in the pulpit, the music program provided stability. Praise and enjoyment of worship were emphasized rather than a traditional service. One of the trademarks of Ironbridge became its greeting time when the church mingled to greet visitors and friends.

When the growing church began seeking space for a Sunday school program, it chose Small World Nursery School on Ironbridge Road. Each week everyone enthusiastically joined in preparing the facility for worship and Sunday school making the new venture a success.

The church continued to grow and they began meeting at the Centralia Presbyterian Church Annex on Hopkins Road. For the next four years the new church truly melded together and gained its identity as an open and warm fellowship of Christians. The music program expanded with Christmas and Easter cantatas. Vacation Bible School was started and the Women's Missionary Union began organizing.