The beautiful story of Mechanicsville Baptist Church is comprised completely in the unique make-up of the individuals who call MBC their home. Although vastly different in their journeys, we serve a God who brings us together as one.

In fact, in 1977 two churches became one. The 103 year old Venable Baptist Church, the seventh oldest church in Richmond, merged with the 18 year old Westhill Baptist Church, to form Mechanicsville Baptist Church. Why would two separate, independent and apparently successful churches merge?  The reasons were as diverse as the congregations. Changing demographics, loss of members and reduction of income created an awareness in both congregations that changes must be made.

Through God’s leadership, overtures were made by Venable leadership to Westhill to see if there was interest in exploring the possibility of merger.  A small group from each church met several times to talk about the idea of bringing the two congregations together. Out of these informal meetings came a sense of God’s leadership and the concept was brought before each congregation. Members of both congregations warmed to the idea and excitement grew. After much prayer and planning, Mechanicsville Baptist Church was born on October 1, 1977. On Sunday, October 2, the combined congregations met together for the first time, in the previous Westhill facility, for Sunday School and worship.