As the Charismatic Movement swept across the nation nearly three decades ago, a handful of people from the Tri-cities yearned to worship under that same anointing.  They gathered in Robert and Hilda Marek’s cozy country den in Dinwiddie County and prayed for direction, not knowing that from their vision, prayers and commitment, the seeds of a mighty church were being sown.  Hilda Marek contacted Bishop John Giminez of the Rock Church of Virginia Beach requesting that a church be established in Petersburg under his authority. Bishop Giminez sent Rev. Oscar and Nellie Rodriguez to minister to the fledgling flock, which became The Rock Church of Petersburg.

As the church grew, an existing church building on Cedar Heart Lane in Edgehill (still in Dinwiddie County) was purchased and a pastor was appointed. In 1977, the pastor resigned and in January 1978, Rev. Gerald and Sonja Davis assumed pastoral duties.  The church flourished under the Davis’ leadership.  During this period, nurseries, Sunday School classes, Children’s Church, Home Care Groups, and missionary ministries were established.  A new wing was added to the Cedar Heart property in order to establish a Christian school, Rock Church Academy, which opened in 1979.  The Davis's were actively involved with and mentored the youth, even teaching the high school class for one year. A vibrant youth group emerged with an effective evangelistic mime team.

As Rev. Davis continued to preach dynamic Biblical truths and fostered vibrant praise and worship, the church drew in thirsty souls like an oasis in the desert. Existing offices were gutted and the sanctuary expanded.  For more than 25 years, he has reached out to the down-trodden, the poor and the afflicted and has sought to bring down the prejudices that divide the body of Christ. “Give me the heathen for my inheritance,” has been his heart’s cry.  In response to the dire economic and moral condition of the area, The Victory House was established in 1984 to feed the poor both in the natural and in the spiritual. This ministry continued for several years, until its director resigned.

In 1990, the church moved from Cedar Heart Lane in Dinwiddie to its present location at 2301 County Drive in Petersburg.  A new sanctuary was in the process of being built - the foundation had been laid, the walls set in place and half of the roof enclosed - when a fierce storm tore through the structure. As it lay in ruins, the Word of the Lord came to build bigger. Faith arose and the vision remained.

The set-back necessitated building a multi-purpose building that could function as both a school and a temporary sanctuary.  It was decided that a steel gymnasium and school would best meet those needs.  For 18 months, as the debris was cleared and the new building erected, services were held in a tent. A trailer was used for the nursery. Baptisms were held at other churches, in swimming pools and even in Lake Chesdin in December!  Still the church grew!  The new building served its purposes. While in the gym, the Royal Rangers and Missionettes Ministries, the Women’s Ministry and the International College of Bible Theology were established.  The Children’s Church, Sunday School and nursery ministries were overhauled.  Support for the Tri-Cities Crisis Pregnancy Center began and continued.

In 1983, the church sent its first missionary to minister at a school for the deaf in Cochabomba, Bolivia and made a monthly commitment to support it financially. Now, financial support for missions has expanded to India, Liberia, and the Philippines. Rev. Gerald Davis and other church members have traveled overseas to minister in numerous countries.  In 1998, Rev. Richard Hilton verified the Word of the Lord, to build a sanctuary, a house of worship. 

In April 2000, Rev. Leonard Davis brought his entire congregation to the Rock Church Anniversary Services, during which Rev. Gerald Davis pointed out Petersburg’s Civil War history, citing that racism was not eradicated by the war but can only be defeated by the Holy Spirit. With a similar vision for interracial harmony and a desire to minister under a “spiritual father,” Rev. Leonard Davis and his congregation merged with the Rock Church of Petersburg the following July under Rev. Gerald Davis’s leadership. Soon thereafter, the “Building on the Rock” Campaign began.  Congregants prayerfully made pledges to be fulfilled during a three year period to cover construction costs. 

William Traylor headed up the building committee which included David Childress, Larry Henshaw, Randy Witt and John (Rudy) Tipton. Traylor Builders supervised construction.  In May 2003, the church occupied the new facility.  The new building offers much needed classroom and storage space, offices and a bookstore. Together, the sanctuary and balcony can seat approximately 1200 people.

The next chapter in the history of the Rock Church of Petersburg is yet to be written. Please join us in impacting our world for Christ.