In November 1998, a diverse group of Christians felt the need to establish a new church in the Powell Valley area of LaFollette.

Seventy-five people attended the first meeting on November 19, 1998, in a metal building surrounded by 3.58 acres of beautiful land owned by the Tansy Carr family. Charles and Debbie McNeely from Walters Funeral Home supplied the folding chairs while Dr. E.G. Cline furnished the sound system. A piano and organ were donated as well as the first six months rent on the building. Rev. Jim Wilcox was called to be the first pastor and Rev. Jimmy Herron was selected to lead the music. Seven deacons were selected at the beginning and plans were made to add more as the membership increased. The name New Horizon Baptist Church was voted on and approved at a business meeting.

Within the first few months, a special offering of $39,000 was received as a down payment for the purchase of the land and metal building at a price of $215,550. Additional pledges of approximately $100,000 were to be given over a three year period. Plans were immediately made to remodel the facility and add Sunday School space, a pre-school area and a fellowship hall at an expense of $338,000. Part of the renovation included the construction of a 45-foot tall lighthouse the Pastor Wilcox wanted to become “a light to the valley” showing the love of Christ. The membership increased to 140 during that first year.

The first new believers were baptized in Norris Lake, a private swimming pool, a sister church and eventually our own church where a portable baptistry was installed that was unique to the area. The church family was busy participating in mission trips to Ohio, Iowa, New York, Wisconsin, New Orleans and here at home in Campbell County. God richly blessed the efforts of this new congregation.

During the following months construction continued, the parking lot was paved, then expanded and paved again. Increased attendance created a need for a bus ministry and God solved this problem by allowing our church to “win” a van given away by a company and on Christmas Eve, a new van was sitting outside the front door with a sign that said Merry Christmas. This was an anonymous donation. Comfortable chairs that connected like pews were purchased along with a new sound system designed for our sanctuary and the first phase was complete.

The next few years brought about continuous growth and the need for additional space. Plans were made for a 60′ x 100′ family life center that would include more Sunday School space, a gym and a commercial kitchen. Pastor Jim was speaking to a company in Pennsylvania regarding a metal building that could be installed with the congregation completing the interior. This company informed our pastor that a metal building was available in a small town in Tennessee. It happened to be at A&S Steel located between Caryville and Lake City (God’s sense of humor). This building was constructed and much of the interior completed by volunteer labor.

In August 2004, tragedy struck our congregation with the news that Pastor Jim was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. For three and one half years our pastor refused to give up and continued preaching, visiting and being a Godly inspiration to our congregation and community. On many occasions, Pastor Jim would arrive at the hospital ahead the person who was actually having the test or surgery. On April 19, 2007, Pastor Jim’s ministry was completed and he went home to be with our Lord.

Our congregation grieved the loss of Pastor Jim, but through the faithful dedication of our Associate Pastor and Music Minister, Jimmy Herron, our church body remained committed to God’s calling. Jimmy’s love for our church was evident during this difficult time.

Rev. Doug Clem was called to our church for a short time serving as part-time pastor. Rev. Clem had been the interim pastor at LaFollette First Baptist and was instrumental in leading that church through a difficult transition.

We are currently blessed to have as our pastor Rev. Lynn Ray. He and wife Shan have two daughters, Olivia and Ashlyn. Pastor Lynn also serves with the Campbell County Department of Education. He is leading us in the direction we feel God has chosen. Our attendance is continuing to increase with new programs being added as need arise. We have been blessed to see our building and land debts decrease from a total of approximately $600,000 to $0 as of February 2010.

Our congregation expects great things to continue to happen at NHBC and we invite you and your family to be a part of our church.