BVBC's History
Brandywine Valley Baptist Church was incorporated in 1970, meeting first in homes and then in a rented school. In 1970-71, pastoral guidance came from two missionaries, Don Linsz and Dick Reed who were home on furlough. Rev. Daniel Myer served as pastor from 1972-1974.

In May of 1975, Rev. S. Bowen (Bo) Matthews became pastor, and in 1976, the church built the sanctuary and one wing of its present facilities. In 1979, it was necessary to build additional education space, and in 1982, double services (Christian Education and worship) were initiated. Additional pastoral staff was added during that period.

Pastor Bo served until December 1985, at which time he accepted a call to become Senior Pastor at Hinson Memorial Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. October 1986 brought Dr. Harry Kilbride of Hampshire, England as Senior Pastor. In October 1990, Dr. Kilbride resigned. In August 1991, Pastor Bo returned.

In 1999, the church completed an expansion program to add an additional wing for children's ministries and new office space. We also began three worship services on Sunday mornings in 1999. In 2001 a second wing was added for Junior and Senior High ministries. This wing is shared by the congregation for multiple uses. A fourth worship service was added in 2002.

In the fall of 2006, we began a capitol campaign, Following the Pillar of Fire, for a new sanctuary, gathering space and fellowship hall. Construction began in June 2008 and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2009.

Official Life of the Church
The church is governed by the congregation. The congregation approves major decisions such as budget and calling of pastors. Spiritual and overall administrative leadership is provided by the Pastoral Staff, currently consisting of nine pastors and directors, in conjunction with a 12-man Board of Deacons. Fiscal responsibility rests with the Church Administrator in conjunction with the Finance Committee. The congregation elects both the deacons and all major committees.

The church is affiliated withe Baptist General Conference.

Constituency
The total constituency is almost 1,600 people and includes all ages from newborns to the elderly, with the median age under 40. Over half of the people come from backgrounds other than Baptist. There is a good mix of new, growing and mature Christians with new visitors coming weekly.