About Longview Baptist Church
The mission of Longview Baptist Church is to participate in the creation and formation of disciples of Jesus Christ that love God, others, and self. We are committed to helping individuals grow in their love for God, extend that love to others, and embrace a healthy love for themselves. Through worship, fellowship, and service, we seek to create a community where faith is deepened, lives are transformed, and God’s love is shared with the world.
What We Believe
At Longview Baptist Church, we believe in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and in salvation as a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. We affirm the Bible as the divinely inspired revelation of God and celebrate believers' baptism by immersion as a witness to faith. Through the Lord’s Supper, we remember Christ’s sacrifice, anticipate His return, and welcome all Christians to the table. Rooted in historic Baptist principles, we uphold soul freedom, the priesthood of all believers, and the autonomy of the local church. Committed to religious liberty and the separation of church and state, we partner freely with others for fellowship and mission, affirming God’s call to men and women in ministry.
Our Affiliations
Our History
Longview Baptist Church was organized in the summer of 1950, when some 30 to 40 residents of the community met in a tent on the site located at 200 N. King Charles Rd., Raleigh. They initiated a request for a charter. In the fall of 1950, a quonset hut was erected and the following spring, Don Appleton was called as the first pastor. Several additions to the quonset hut failed to provide adequate space and services were held in Longview Elementary School. A building program culminated in 1954 which resulted in the building located at 200 N. King Charles Rd.
M. Fred Scott, Jr. became the second pastor in January 1957. Under his leadership the church experienced steady growth until he was called to Rocky Mount in 1966.
In September 1966, J. Groce Robinson became the pastor. During his ministry a number of building improvements were made and membership continued to increase. Rev. Ken Childers served during this time as Minister to Youth.
In October 1971, we called Robert L. Weatherspoon, Jr. as pastor. Kermit Gray came as Associate Pastor and Minister to Youth in March 1972 until 1975. Our church progressed very well until 1978 when Rev. Weatherspoon was called to Good Hope Baptist Church in Morrisville.
In October 1980, B. Carroll Owenby was called as pastor. He served until his resignation in March 1989.
In September 1989, C. Michael Shook was called as pastor until he was called to Grove Park Baptist Church in Clinton, N. C. During this time, our present Minister of Music, J. Garner Keel, was called in March of 1992. It was also during this time that a Long-Range Planning Committee was formed with Bob Moreland as Chairman. During August of 1991, the committee, after many meetings and discussions, proposed that Longview Baptist Church relocate within a corridor between Poole Road and U. S. Highway #1 North culminating in our present location.
In August 1992, Jesse T. Yarbrough was called as pastor until his resignation in April of 1993. Plans continued for a new church.
In January 1994, James T. Hartley, Jr. was called as pastor and served in that capacity until his retirement on April 30, 2009. Under his leadership, the church continued plans for their new church building. During this time worship services were held at Vena Wilburn Elementary School for approximately one and one-half years until we moved into our present building in May of 1996. It was also during this time that a new Minister of Youth, Education & Outreach, Greg Craft, was called in January of 1997. During the next thirteen years our church experienced growth and an addition was added to our present building for Sunday School space.
On July 11, 2010, Longview called as their new pastor, Dr. Randall (Randy) Lee McKinney as the eighth pastor of Longview Baptist Church. He began his ministry with us on August 16, 2010 and served in that capacity until his call to be the Associate Pastor of Senior Adults & Missions at Trinity Baptist Church in August 2024. Dr. McKinney is a Raleigh native and has served as youth pastor, associate pastor and pastor of several churches in the North Carolina area. Under Randy’s leadership Longview experienced rapid growth. In 2012 and 2013 our present sanctuary was expanded to accommodate that growth. During this time Longview also called Mrs. Bernie Mansell as our Minister to Preschoolers and Children in June of 2012. In August of 2024, Randy was called to be the Associate Pastor of Missions and Senior Adults at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh. As of October 2024, Rev. Jack Glasgow was called to serve as Interim Pastor until a new Senior Pastor is hired.
In September of 2016, Longview called Rev. W. Graham Byrum, Jr. as Associate Pastor of Youth and Community Engagement; and called Mrs. Allison Given as Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Rev. Graham Byrum served until March 2021 until he was called as Pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmville, NC
In September 2021, Abram R. Buckner was called as Minister of Youth and Virtual Ministry.
