As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, so does Mathews Baptist Church at Hudgins; its history tells a story not only of faith, but also of community growth, changing traditions, and lasting influence across Mathews County. Organized in 1776, the church is among the oldest congregations in the region. Its roots reach back even farther, to the early 1770s, when Iverson Lewis began sharing Baptist teachings throughout the area. “There was a Baptist preacher around here in the area in 1771, but 1776 is when it was organized,” said Cathy Rowe, a longtime church member and former church secretary. At the time, Mathews County did not yet exist. The congregation was originally known as Kingston Baptist Church because the area was part of Gloucester County. When Gloucester and Mathews counties separated in 1791, the church became Mathews Baptist Church. Even today, many longtime residents still refer to the congregation by its historic nickname. “People often all the time refer to it a...