Church sign gives news of 100 years observed in 2015.

“In 1900, the eldest Cheatwood felt the need for a place of worship in the community. He and his son Wiley gave lumber and other material to build a small structure with two doors and three windows, which was located on the Wiley farm. The land joined the J. T. Sorrells farm.

“They donated this little mission house to the people of the community for a place of worship and a school. No deed was ever made. They named this structure Bellview. Sunday schools were organized and flourished during spring and summer. School was taught during summer.

“The Cheatwood families sold their farms and moved to Florida in 1912. The community continued to grow and attracted new residents, which were Baptists. This included the Robinson, Sorrells and Morris families.

“The Sorrells family was in favor of organizing a Baptist church in the community.

“In March 1915, Baptists in the area were invited to form a presbytery that consisted of Singleton and Goss preachers, Lee and other deacons. Rev. Singleton moderated the conference and the church was organized with 16 in membership.

“Miss Evie Reeves was the first young girl to join Bellview church. The second was Miss Mary Sorrells or Mrs. Roe Kinney. Billy Hix was the first young boy to join.

“Meeting days were the third Sunday at 11 o’clock, Saturday before at 11 a.m. for conference. Rev. John B. Goss was elected as pastor. After his resignation in 1920, the church elected K. C. Baker. His first revival at Bellview received 32 members by baptism and letter.”