Where we worship


By Loren Metts If you have ever driven north of


Weaverville on Interstate 26, you have likely noticed the beautiful country church nestled off to your right as you cross into Madison County. Tis picturesque sanctu- ary has been home to Forks of Ivy Baptist Church for nearly a century now. As yet another of the area’s local


churches rich in Christian history, Forks of Ivy was organized in 1843. Te church’s first building was a log house located on the banks of Little Ivy Creek in Madison County. Te church was constituted in April 1850 with the Rev. Jacob Metcalf as its first pastor. Te congregation met in a small plank structure and then a larger framed building for many years. Construction began on the existing sanctuary in 1917 and the first worship service was held on April 6, 1919. Over the years, an education


building, parsonage, and fellow- ship hall have been added. Most re- cently, FIBC purchased the former site of Peabody’s Bar directly across the street from its location. “God had a better use for that property all along,” Pastor Greg Hollifield explained. “Our future plans are to clear the land and build a pavilion and recreation area for the enjoy- ment of our church and the Forks of Ivy community.” Hollifield and his wife Beverly


have been serving at Forks of Ivy for almost two years. Hollifield worked in the heating and air industry for over 20 years prior to beginning full-time ministry. He has served as interim pastor in three area churches and was also pastor at Berry Chapel Baptist Church in Spruce Pine for eight years before coming to FIBC. FIBC is an active member of the


French Broad Baptist Association. Each year, the church is directly in- volved in the ‘IGNITE’ teen rallies held in downtown Asheville. In the fall, church members also work with Locust Grove Baptist Church in the annual evangelistic presentation of “Judgment House.” For the past


Forks of Ivy Baptist Church


Pastor Greg Hollifield is in his second year.


year, the church has intentionally reached out into the local communi- ty through its bi-monthly NEIGH- BORS ministry (Need Everyone Involved – Going House to house, Bringing Out Repentance and Sal- vation). Te church also provides weekly meals to shut-ins and elderly community members. Other min- istries include Awanna for kids on Wednesday nights, as well as radio outreach and weekly youth ministry. FIBC offers traditional and blended worship on Sundays at 11am, along with Sunday School and adult dis- cipleship training on Sunday eve- nings. With FIBC being uniquely located


on the Buncombe-Madison County line, Hollifield jokingly said that his message from God’s Word is heard loud and clear. “I preach from my pulpit in Madison County and the message is immediately heard by be-


Continued on page 13 J.F. Robinson


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