In the Primitive Baptist publication "Signs of the Times," August 2006 edition, is a very interesting article about the Strawberry Primitive Baptist Church. The present Strawberry Baptist Association had its humble beginning at this church, thus choosing the namesake "Strawberry."

According to the book "The Early Trails of the Baptists: A History of the Strawberry Baptist Association 1776-1976," a group of members from Strawberry Primitive Baptist Church withdrew their membership over a disagreement concerning the "Missionary Movement." Thus the formation of the present Strawberry Association.

The Strawberry Primitive Baptist Church was constituted in the year 1779, although the actual assembly is thought to be older. This church has been blessed with a long and glorious heritage and history. It has been a charter member of the Staunton River Primitive Baptist Association which was formed in 1841. The last living member of the church, Mrs. Gertie C. Holley, died November 17, 2005. She had served as the church clerk since 1976. Also, her husband, the late Posey L. Holley, was the last deacon of Strawberry Church. A special called meeting of Strawberry Primitive Baptist Church was held at the church located on Strawberry Road near Chatham for the formal closing and dissolution of the present church. The Pittsylvania County Historical Society has future plans of preserving the church building and grounds as a historical landmark.

Basham, near Stewartsville, is a Primitive Baptist Church in Bedford County that still has an active congregation. The above historical information was submitted by Steve Everett of Norwood Church.

Special thanks to the craft class at Bedford Baptist for the "strawberry" wall hanging they made and recently donated to the Association.