History :

Salvisa Baptist Church has a rich history that goes back well over a century. The church had its beginnings in the spring of 1841 when revival services were held in the area. Josiah Leake led these services which resulted in the formation of the church. It was organized on June 7, 1841.

From the beginning, the church had strong leadership among its lay men, many of whom were licensed to preach the gospel. These strong lay leaders were the key to the church's survival and success for many years, since early pastorates at Salvisa Baptist averaged just over two years per pastor. From 1842-1967, Salvisa had 52 pastors and went through five building programs.

In 1968, the Church called Bro. Larry Koch as pastor. Bro. Koch led the church to purchase and build the current facilities located at US 127 and Kirkwood Road. He served the church for 18 years, the longest tenure of any pastor. Bro James Hensley was called to the church in 1987. Bro Hensley led the church for 11 years helping it to become more mission-minded. The church increased its mission giving as well as its mission activity and participated in many service projects and mission trips. Bro. Dale Niswonger served as interim pastor for a period of 13 months from 1999-2000. Following that time, the church's youth minister, Jason Clark, supplied the pulpit for seven months before being called as pastor in October of 2000.