History

Our church is blessed with a rich history. In 1954, we started as a home Bible study and God multiplied us into a group that met at Woodlawn Elementary School. Through sacrificial giving our church bought property and then purchased a church building that was located in Old Town Alexandria. Our charter members took down that church brick by brick and rebuilt it as our current sanctuary back here on our current location.

In 1963, Pastor Wayne Thompson become the pastor. Under his leadership our church building expanded in both directions – adding a baptistry on one side and an educational wing on the other. Our church has always loved children and desired to impact the next generation, so in 1970 opened Engleside Christian School. Seven years later, with the intent to facilitate the growing church and school, our people sacrificially gave again and purchased 20 acres of property in Lorton.

In 1989, the Lord directed our church to call the associate pastor Bob Purdue into the senior pastor role. Pastor Bob was a gifted preacher and during his leadership Engleside started an AWANA ministry.

In 1997, Brad Lapiska accepted the role of senior pastor. God used his background as a Marine Cobra pilot to enhance our ministry to the military. His skill in administration and finance was also a huge blessing to Engleside Baptist Church and School. Our church also grew in our love for the Word of God and heartbeat for missions during these years. Over time it became increasingly clear to our church family that God was keeping us right here in the community that God had initially planted us. We eventually sold the Lorton property and proceeded with a massive renovation of our church building. After the renovation, Pastor Lapiska retired in January 2018.

Currently we are pursuing Christ together under the leadership of Pastor Ben Smith. We are extremely thankful for the godly heritage that has made us the church that we are today but we are asking God to continue the good work that He has begun in us.