Buddy Buchanan, representing John Grimes, presented a check from the Grimes Family Foundation to Peggy (center) and Teresa Hamm this afternoon shortly before the Mount Beulah's annual homecoming celebration.

Mount Beulah Baptist Church Holds Annual Homecoming Celebrating 117 Years of History By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Eagle Rock, VA (July 25, 2026) — Mount Beulah, nestled at 411 Fieldale Road in Eagle Rock, Virginia, is preparing to celebrate its annual homecoming on Sunday, July 26, at 3:00 p.m. This cherished event not only brings together members of the congregation, both former and current, but also reflects the deep-rooted history and ongoing traditions of the beloved church. Mount Beulah Baptist Church boasts a fascinating history interwoven with that of the First Baptist Church, which was originally built in 1889. When Mount Beulah was established, it utilized lumber from the First Baptist Church, symbolically carrying forward its legacy. Dedicated on July 9, 1909, Mount Beulah proudly celebrates 117 years as a church this year, which is quite a testimony to its enduring presence in the community. If there's one other thing Mount Beulah is known for, it may just be their annual homecoming events. The 117-year-old church draws attendees near and far with the promise of fellowship and a delicious meal. However, these gatherings are not just social events; they are pivotal for the church's financial well-being. Donations collected during homecoming cover annual expenses, fund various projects, and support much-needed building repairs. One memorable figure in Mount Beulah's recent history is John Grimes, who has demonstrated remarkable generosity to the church. Grimes himself also has an impressive history as one of the players on the Clifton Forge High School basketball team in 1966 where they won their first state championship game against Thomas Walker. According to Peggy Hamm, a key figure in Mount Beulah's leadership, this historical win came the first year that local schools were desegregated. Buddy Buchanan, a friend of the church and of Grimes noted that, "He [Grimes] went on college and did well for himself" before helping to establish the Grimes Family Foundation. As a philanthropist, Grimes was described to the Journal as a man whose generosity knows no limits, as he is often looking for his next project. After a storm damaged the steeple at Mount Beulah several years ago, Buchanan approached Grimes with that new project. Grimes then made a significant donation to facilitate the repair of the steeple and has since become a habitual donor to Mount Beulah. This year, he continues to support the church with yet another generous contribution, streamlined through the Grimes Family Foundation. When the Journal spoke to Peggy Hamm and Buddy Buchanan, they shared that Grimes' ongoing commitment and generosity to the church had been deeply appreciated by all involved. This bell, made in Maryland in 1890, still works, as demonstrated by Buddy Buchanan. We can attest that one could likely hear that bell from miles away. This photo, believed to have been taken around 1895, was captured in three shots before being taped together. Upon the completion of this article, we are unsure who captured them originally.

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