The Past
Buckeye Hollow Church was established in 1903, originating from services conducted by a Missionary/Teacher in a school building. The congregation grew, leading to the construction of a small church, which was later replaced by another building. In the 1950s, after sustaining fire damage, the brick church structure was erected. Initially affiliated with the shouting Methodist church, a significant transformation occurred in the 1930s when preacher Pete Lilly introduced the concept of the Baptism in the Holy Ghost. This inspired many congregants to seek this spiritual gift, resulting in a split from the Methodist Church and the formation of a Pentecostal Holiness Church. This pivotal moment had a lasting impact on the community of Buckeye Hollow.
Over the years, various pastors have led the church, but Bro. Robert Hayden is noted for his lengthy tenure. A humble farmer called to preach, Bro. Robert was known for his deep faith, exemplified by his practice of seeking the Holy Ghost while working in the fields. It is said that he would pray at the end of each row, asking God to "Give me the Blessing," and he received it. His ability to follow the spirit of the Lord was one of his greatest attributes. Bro. Robert served as pastor until his passing in 1989 at the age of 80.
Over the years, various pastors have led the church, but Bro. Robert Hayden is noted for his lengthy tenure. A humble farmer called to preach, Bro. Robert was known for his deep faith, exemplified by his practice of seeking the Holy Ghost while working in the fields. It is said that he would pray at the end of each row, asking God to "Give me the Blessing," and he received it. His ability to follow the spirit of the Lord was one of his greatest attributes. Bro. Robert served as pastor until his passing in 1989 at the age of 80.
The 1970's Revivals
One day in the 1950's Bro. Robert was on his way to the mill when he saw a man all dressed up, carrying a fiddle case, standing on the side of the road. He stopped and picked up the man. They bid each other good day and started down the road. In the middle of their drive, the man looked to Bro. Robert, who was wearing his denim overalls, and told him, "You are a minster." Bro. Robert said, "Well some people call me that." The man said, "No, you are a minister." In the middle of nowhere, he tells Bro. Robert that it was his stop. So Bro. Robert let him out, but when he looked back the man was gone. In late 1969 and early 1970 the church was going through a low period. Many people had quit coming to church. There were hardly any musicians left to play. There were only a handful of people coming regularly. One night Bro. Robert pulled up to the side door and told his wife, "Mom, I don't know whether to go in or not." Bro. Robert decided to go in "one more time." He went in and sat down, eyes closed, with his hands on his head. When the image of the same little man appeared in the church. He came down to Bro. Robert, and spoke to him so closely that Bro. Robert could feel the man's breath on his cheek. He then spoke to Bro. Robert, calling him by name "Robert." Bro. Robert answered him,"Yes, Lord." The man said, "Robert, I am going to send you some help." When Bro. Robert opened his eyes, the man was gone. It wasn't long after that, in March of 1970, that a great revival took place. March 15, 1970, on a Sunday morning several people were saved. On of those people was a 16 year old boy name Wade Kestner.
After that, people started getting saved left and right. The church grew to over 200 members and over 80 young people were saved. Soon after, with hardly any musicians left in the church, Bro. Robert had all the young people who were interested in playing music to come up to the altar. He anointed their hands and asked God to bless them and teach them to play. Before long there were piano players, guitar players, and drummers in the church. He even called some of them to be preachers, including Bro. Wade! It was a wonderful "Reviving" of the church. Remnants of that revival went on through the early 1970's.
In the 1950s, Bro. Robert was traveling to the mill when he noticed a man dressed elegantly, holding a fiddle case, standing by the roadside. Bro. Robert stopped to offer him a ride. After exchanging greetings, they continued along the road. At one point, the man looked at Bro. Robert, who was dressed in his denim overalls, and stated, "You are a minister." Bro. Robert modestly replied, "Well, some people call me that." The man insisted, "No, you are a minister." Soon after, he indicated that it was his stop. Bro. Robert let him out, but when he looked back, the man had vanished.
As the church faced a challenging period in late 1969 and early 1970, attendance dwindled, and musicians were scarce, many of which had left the church for various reasons. One evening, Bro. Robert expressed his uncertainty to even get enough strength to go into the church. He looked over to his wife, saying, "Mom, I don't know whether to go in or not." He ultimately decided to enter "one more time." Once inside, he closed his eyes and rested his hands on his head. Suddenly, he saw the same man from earlier, who approached him closely enough for Bro. Robert to feel the man's breath. The man addressed him by name, "Robert," and Bro. Robert replied, "Yes, Lord." The man assured him, "Robert, I am going to send you some help." When Bro. Robert opened his eyes, the man had disappeared.
In March 1970, shortly after this encounter, a significant revival began. On March 15, several individuals were saved during a Sunday service, including a 16-year-old named Wade Kestner. This moment heralded a wave of salvation, leading to the church growing to over 200 members and witnessing the conversion of more than 80 young people. With a shortage of musicians, Bro. Robert invited the interested young people to the altar, where he anointed their hands, asking for God’s blessing and guidance in learning music. Before long, the church was filled with piano players, guitarists, and drummers. Additionally, Bro. Robert recognized some of them as potential preachers, including Bro. Wade. This period marked a remarkable revival for the church, enduring through the early 1970s.
Hear Bro. Robert's Testimony in his own words by clicking the button below.
One day in the 1950's Bro. Robert was on his way to the mill when he saw a man all dressed up, carrying a fiddle case, standing on the side of the road. He stopped and picked up the man. They bid each other good day and started down the road. In the middle of their drive, the man looked to Bro. Robert, who was wearing his denim overalls, and told him, "You are a minster." Bro. Robert said, "Well some people call me that." The man said, "No, you are a minister." In the middle of nowhere, he tells Bro. Robert that it was his stop. So Bro. Robert let him out, but when he looked back the man was gone. In late 1969 and early 1970 the church was going through a low period. Many people had quit coming to church. There were hardly any musicians left to play. There were only a handful of people coming regularly. One night Bro. Robert pulled up to the side door and told his wife, "Mom, I don't know whether to go in or not." Bro. Robert decided to go in "one more time." He went in and sat down, eyes closed, with his hands on his head. When the image of the same little man appeared in the church. He came down to Bro. Robert, and spoke to him so closely that Bro. Robert could feel the man's breath on his cheek. He then spoke to Bro. Robert, calling him by name "Robert." Bro. Robert answered him,"Yes, Lord." The man said, "Robert, I am going to send you some help." When Bro. Robert opened his eyes, the man was gone. It wasn't long after that, in March of 1970, that a great revival took place. March 15, 1970, on a Sunday morning several people were saved. On of those people was a 16 year old boy name Wade Kestner.
After that, people started getting saved left and right. The church grew to over 200 members and over 80 young people were saved. Soon after, with hardly any musicians left in the church, Bro. Robert had all the young people who were interested in playing music to come up to the altar. He anointed their hands and asked God to bless them and teach them to play. Before long there were piano players, guitar players, and drummers in the church. He even called some of them to be preachers, including Bro. Wade! It was a wonderful "Reviving" of the church. Remnants of that revival went on through the early 1970's.
In the 1950s, Bro. Robert was traveling to the mill when he noticed a man dressed elegantly, holding a fiddle case, standing by the roadside. Bro. Robert stopped to offer him a ride. After exchanging greetings, they continued along the road. At one point, the man looked at Bro. Robert, who was dressed in his denim overalls, and stated, "You are a minister." Bro. Robert modestly replied, "Well, some people call me that." The man insisted, "No, you are a minister." Soon after, he indicated that it was his stop. Bro. Robert let him out, but when he looked back, the man had vanished.
As the church faced a challenging period in late 1969 and early 1970, attendance dwindled, and musicians were scarce, many of which had left the church for various reasons. One evening, Bro. Robert expressed his uncertainty to even get enough strength to go into the church. He looked over to his wife, saying, "Mom, I don't know whether to go in or not." He ultimately decided to enter "one more time." Once inside, he closed his eyes and rested his hands on his head. Suddenly, he saw the same man from earlier, who approached him closely enough for Bro. Robert to feel the man's breath. The man addressed him by name, "Robert," and Bro. Robert replied, "Yes, Lord." The man assured him, "Robert, I am going to send you some help." When Bro. Robert opened his eyes, the man had disappeared.
In March 1970, shortly after this encounter, a significant revival began. On March 15, several individuals were saved during a Sunday service, including a 16-year-old named Wade Kestner. This moment heralded a wave of salvation, leading to the church growing to over 200 members and witnessing the conversion of more than 80 young people. With a shortage of musicians, Bro. Robert invited the interested young people to the altar, where he anointed their hands, asking for God’s blessing and guidance in learning music. Before long, the church was filled with piano players, guitarists, and drummers. Additionally, Bro. Robert recognized some of them as potential preachers, including Bro. Wade. This period marked a remarkable revival for the church, enduring through the early 1970s.
Hear Bro. Robert's Testimony in his own words by clicking the button below.
Passing of the Torch!
In 1989, following the passing of Bro. Robert, Bro. Wade Kestner was appointed as the pastor of the church. Born on January 30, 1954, in Buckeye Hollow, Bro. Wade had been attending church with his mother since he was an infant. A pivotal moment came in March 1970, when he began to feel a divine preparation for his future calling when at the age of 16 he made his way down to an altar and got saved. At the young age of 19, he married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Jean Roark.
Years later, Bro. Wade received the calling to preach. He dedicated significant time to study and trained under Bro. Robert, remaining by his side until the very end. Together, they traveled to various churches across Virginia, developing a close father-son dynamic. Today, Bro. Wade continues to spread the Gospel, passionately advocating for Holiness and preaching with a unique anointing.
He is committed to preserving the church's heritage while simultaneously looking toward its future. Bro. Wade and Carol have been blessed with three sons: Josh and his wife Jane, Caleb and his wife Misty, and Jordan. They also enjoy the joy of five grandchildren: Kristopher, Hannah, Colton, Levi, and Cayden.
Years later, Bro. Wade received the calling to preach. He dedicated significant time to study and trained under Bro. Robert, remaining by his side until the very end. Together, they traveled to various churches across Virginia, developing a close father-son dynamic. Today, Bro. Wade continues to spread the Gospel, passionately advocating for Holiness and preaching with a unique anointing.
He is committed to preserving the church's heritage while simultaneously looking toward its future. Bro. Wade and Carol have been blessed with three sons: Josh and his wife Jane, Caleb and his wife Misty, and Jordan. They also enjoy the joy of five grandchildren: Kristopher, Hannah, Colton, Levi, and Cayden.
The Red Brick Church ~ 1959 - 2023
In 1958, a fire destroyed much of the little white church, leading to the decision to construct a new building. Groundbreaking took place on July 4, 1958, with the intention of creating a block and brick structure. At that time, this new building emerged as one of the finest and first brick buildings in Buckeye Hollow. The completion of the church was celebrated on July 4, 1959, when the first service was held.
The community played a significant role in raising funds for the church, with many individuals contributing, including some who were not regular attendees or even attended at all. An old ledger exists that documents these contributions. Additionally, various women organized efforts such as sewing aprons and selling items to further support the fundraising. Over the years, the church underwent several expansions, starting with the addition of restrooms and later a porch roof. By 1980, the original structure had become insufficient, prompting the construction of a new pulpit area. In the following years, enhancements continued with the addition of a Fellowship Hall, a new porch, and an improved steeple.
For 64 years, the church experienced significant spiritual movements, particularly highlighted during events like the Great Revival in 1970, extending through the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. There was a consistent presence of the Holy Spirit, culminating in a "Special Move" of the Holy Ghost that resonated through generations of believers. This spiritual activity persisted up to the church's closure.
In February 2023, as the transition period approached, there was a notable revival of the Holy Spirit's presence. During this time, weeks passed where the Holy Ghost moved powerfully within the congregation. This momentum continued right up until the final service at the old church on June 3, 2023, and continued seamlessly into the new church.
The community played a significant role in raising funds for the church, with many individuals contributing, including some who were not regular attendees or even attended at all. An old ledger exists that documents these contributions. Additionally, various women organized efforts such as sewing aprons and selling items to further support the fundraising. Over the years, the church underwent several expansions, starting with the addition of restrooms and later a porch roof. By 1980, the original structure had become insufficient, prompting the construction of a new pulpit area. In the following years, enhancements continued with the addition of a Fellowship Hall, a new porch, and an improved steeple.
For 64 years, the church experienced significant spiritual movements, particularly highlighted during events like the Great Revival in 1970, extending through the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. There was a consistent presence of the Holy Spirit, culminating in a "Special Move" of the Holy Ghost that resonated through generations of believers. This spiritual activity persisted up to the church's closure.
In February 2023, as the transition period approached, there was a notable revival of the Holy Spirit's presence. During this time, weeks passed where the Holy Ghost moved powerfully within the congregation. This momentum continued right up until the final service at the old church on June 3, 2023, and continued seamlessly into the new church.
The Present and Future
A few years ago, Bro. Wade envisioned the construction of a new, larger church. At that time, however, no suitable property was available for such a project. Determined to keep the church in Buckeye Hollow, which serves as a vital part of the community, Bro. Wade faced a challenge. In the summer of 2007, an opportunity arose when a parcel of land became available just a quarter of a mile from the existing church. This 3.3-acre lot was relatively flat, making it an ideal site. Within just two months, the church community successfully raised $30,000 through fundraising efforts and a few small donations to purchase the land.
In the following year, ground was broken at the new location, and initial grading work commenced. Additional grading was completed over time, including work on the church basement. By late Fall 2011, the footers were excavated, and concrete was poured in May 2012. The construction progressed slowly over time, with the first block being laid on May 10, 2012. By Fall 2013, the framing began, primarily carried out by Bro. Wade, the sole experienced carpenter on the crew. Remarkably, all exterior walls were erected within approximately 36 hours. Over the next few years, Brother Wade and his team, which consisted of many inexperienced individuals, continued their efforts to complete the construction. Numerous members of the group acquired valuable carpentry skills that they later applied to their personal home projects. By the time the church's construction was finished, there were only a handful of tasks that required outsourcing. This initiative showcased how God assembled "Gideon's Army" to successfully build His church.
Thanks to the church members' fundraising efforts, all construction costs have been covered without incurring debt. There was never a bank note for the construction of the church! The new church measures 46 by 110 feet, with an 85-foot-long sanctuary and a full basement that includes Sunday School rooms, a kitchen, and a fellowship hall.
On June 4, 2023, the new church was completed, and the first service was held. From the initial fundraising event on September 8, 2007, to the grand opening, God provided all the necessary funds, allowing the church to enter debt-free. The same spirit of revival that characterized the old church has continued to flourish in the new building, with expectations for growth and outreach in the coming months.
Currently, church members are engaged in ongoing fundraising efforts to support the completion of the kitchen and paving the parking lot. The church community has experienced divine guidance every step of the way, and anticipates continued blessings in the future. For those interested in contributing, donations can still be made by contacting Bro. Wade or Sis. Carol at 276-496-4170.
The construction of our new building is a significant step forward for our church, but our primary mission remains focused on the saving of souls. We trust that God has allowed us to create this larger space with the purpose of filling it with individuals seeking salvation. As stated in Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish," highlighting the importance of our vision in guiding our purpose.
In the following year, ground was broken at the new location, and initial grading work commenced. Additional grading was completed over time, including work on the church basement. By late Fall 2011, the footers were excavated, and concrete was poured in May 2012. The construction progressed slowly over time, with the first block being laid on May 10, 2012. By Fall 2013, the framing began, primarily carried out by Bro. Wade, the sole experienced carpenter on the crew. Remarkably, all exterior walls were erected within approximately 36 hours. Over the next few years, Brother Wade and his team, which consisted of many inexperienced individuals, continued their efforts to complete the construction. Numerous members of the group acquired valuable carpentry skills that they later applied to their personal home projects. By the time the church's construction was finished, there were only a handful of tasks that required outsourcing. This initiative showcased how God assembled "Gideon's Army" to successfully build His church.
Thanks to the church members' fundraising efforts, all construction costs have been covered without incurring debt. There was never a bank note for the construction of the church! The new church measures 46 by 110 feet, with an 85-foot-long sanctuary and a full basement that includes Sunday School rooms, a kitchen, and a fellowship hall.
On June 4, 2023, the new church was completed, and the first service was held. From the initial fundraising event on September 8, 2007, to the grand opening, God provided all the necessary funds, allowing the church to enter debt-free. The same spirit of revival that characterized the old church has continued to flourish in the new building, with expectations for growth and outreach in the coming months.
Currently, church members are engaged in ongoing fundraising efforts to support the completion of the kitchen and paving the parking lot. The church community has experienced divine guidance every step of the way, and anticipates continued blessings in the future. For those interested in contributing, donations can still be made by contacting Bro. Wade or Sis. Carol at 276-496-4170.
The construction of our new building is a significant step forward for our church, but our primary mission remains focused on the saving of souls. We trust that God has allowed us to create this larger space with the purpose of filling it with individuals seeking salvation. As stated in Proverbs 29:18, "Where there is no vision, the people perish," highlighting the importance of our vision in guiding our purpose.
