Under Pastor Ken's ministry, the church building was expanded by enlarging the sanctuary and adding several new classrooms in 1994. The construction began in February and was completed in July at a cost of $228,568. One of the many highlights of Ken's ministry includes a missions trip to Utah.

After a series of meetings with the deacon board in 1997 and 1998, a vision and a purpose statement were established for our church. The purpose statement for the Maxwell Hill Baptist Church is as follows:

"And Jesus came and spake unto them saying, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:18-19).

Our purpose is to honor and glorify God by spreading the good news of Jesus Christ and by discipling those that God saves for the work of the ministry.

The vision statement is what we desire to be:
Diligent in the Word, Delighted in Our Worship, and Determined in our Walk

The church felt that there was an importance of the lives of our young people. In 1995, the addition of another member of the pastoral staff was made when Bruce Dick came as the Youth Pastor. Bruce currently oversees the youth group, also known as Teens Revolving Around Christ (TRAC). He also serves as the coordinator for the Fellowship Center.

A crucial event took place during the winter of 1998, when several snowstorms dumped approximately four feet of snow around the Beckley area - notably on the top of the gymnasium and fellowship hall. On February 13, 1998, the metal building collapsed under the stress. Betty Clay, along with some grandchildren and friends, just barely escaped as Pastor Ken, Harry Smith, and Lowell Cawley were at the church, noticed the stress on the building, and warned them to get out just in time. God's hand was evident in their protection.

The insurance settlement was also an answer to prayer, as the $761,000 allowed us to construct a better facility. Tear-down and re-construction began in March 1998, by the building crew of Robby Callaway. When the building collapsed only one interior wall was left standing. Visible for all to see was this inscription - To God Be the Glory. This wall was photographed by the local media and a copy of it even made it to a Baltimore, Maryland, newspaper. This became a wonderful testimony of our church.

Construction was completed, and a dedication service for the new Fellowship Center was held on May 22, 1999. It houses a new gymnasium, locker rooms, classrooms, shuffleboard floor, and the TRAC Room. The fellowship hall also had updated facilities in its sound and lighting equipment, as well as a full-functioning kitchen, ready to handle the dinners and events held there. An addition of a third floor was made to the new facility, where the children's programs are held. This area also has classrooms (one of which overlooks the gymnasium), a craft room, and additional restrooms. The Lord truly blessed with the reconstruction of this building.

In October 1999, another staff member was added to fill the new position of Music & Media Pastor. Mark Breta brought a blended style of music and worship into the services. He also facilitates the media ministry through the radio broadcasts (which now airs on WOAY-AM), and through internet and e-mail.

Many volumes could be written concerning other aspects of the church's history -- weddings, dinners, fellowships, loved ones who have passed on or moved away, and many other events -- but one thing stands out in the history of our church. If things are done according to the principles of His Word, the scriptural way, blessings flow. The message has always been consistent even though God has used different methods of ministry. It has been a wonderful experience to watch God's work and to see the accomplishments He has granted. We thank Him for our existence.

Our Church's History
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