About a year ago, 79-year-old Julia Williams moved from California to Woodbridge, Va. "I joined this church the second time I came to a Sunday service," she said. "I told myself, 'he's the one, he's the one.'"

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Rev. G. Eddie Patten has been pastor of First Baptist Church-Watson for about two years. A former U.S. Marine, Patten grew up Catholic near Landover, Md.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

An excited Pastor Eddie Patten steps out towards his congregation as he delivers his message during a Sunday afternoon church service. "You can tell when he's fired up," a church member said, "and he'll say 'don't take my word for it,' read it in your bible.'"

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Tina House, the church's associate minister at the podium, making two points during a morning service.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

During services, Pastor Eddie Patten asks if anyone is troubled, or to be prayed over or would like to pray with a small group from the congregation. Church deacon Lionel Landsdown, foreground, later stepped to the front of the altar with another church member and about a dozen circled as Patten led them in prayer.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Keil Ritterpusch and John Jackson, left, the business administrator of the church, embrace in fellowship after a Sunday service.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Church member Leslie Newman, from Charles Town, W. Va., and pastor Eddie Patten embrace after a recent church service.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Tianna Summers, left and Kate Ritterpusch pay close attention during Sunday School at First Baptist Church-Watson.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

"Sister" Julia Williams shows her appreciation for a Sunday sermon with a hug for the pastor.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

The Sunday churchgoers, wanting more, stand and applaud during their pastor's message. From left, first two rows, John Jackson, the church's administrator, Don Nelson and his wife Tori (hand in air), Betty Banks and Alice Jones.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Cathy Almante and her son join several members from the congregation who formed a prayer circle near the end of a Sunday church service.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

First Baptist Church-Watson is constructed of cement block. The original structure burned to the ground in 1955 after a wood stove overheated during a revival meeting.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

The First Baptist Church-Watson sits by the side of Red Hill Road, about 12 miles south of Leesburg. In 1955, the first church burned to the ground. The current building was constructed in 1957.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Some of the tombstones on the church grounds date back to the 1900's. A few were crafted by individuals -- like this one formed from concrete.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Betty Banks, 76, is one of four Thornton sisters who continue to worship at the First Baptist Church-Watson, "I can't remember when we didn't attend services here, " she said. She now lives about two miles from the church.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Rosetta Bush, 76, has lived about two miles from the First Baptist Church-Watson nearly all her life. She is a deaconess at the church.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Sixty-two years ago, Rosetta Thornton, left, and her sister Betty posed for a photograph in front of their home in rural Loudoun County. In the photo, Betty is 13 and and Rosetta is 14 years old. Both women have been attending First Baptist Church-Watson since they were small children.

Photo: Photo courtesy Rosetta Bush

Viola Jeffries, 81, is one of the four Thornton sisters who have been attending First Baptist Church-Watson since early childhood. She has nine sons and daughters and holds the position "mother of the church."

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Three of the four Thornton sisters who have been members of the First Baptist Church-Watson since 1941. L-R: Betty Banks, 77; Viola Jeffries, 81, and Rosetta Bush, 77.

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com

Bernice Thornton Scott, 73, remembers walking the nearly two miles from her home to First Baptist Church-Watson for services. She also attended elementary school at the church. The inscription on her scarf reads, "Jesus Loves Me."

Photo: Bill Snead, LoudounExtra.com