FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
Freedom Bank and BCBank were each founded on the same guiding principle: meeting the needs of their local communities with trusted, relationship-driven banking.
Freedom Bank traces its roots back to May 10, 1939, when it first opened as Belington Bank with an initial equity of $30,000. From paying its first dividend in 1945, to establishing Freedom Bancshares, Inc. in 1988, the bank steadily grew while remaining firmly planted in the heart of Belington, West Virginia. Throughout more than eight decades, Freedom Bank steadily expanded beyond its original location, establishing branches in Elkins, Philippi, Bridgeport, and Buckhannon. In 2004, the bank adopted the name “Freedom Bank” to better reflect its growing presence beyond a single community, opening its current main office on the same date as its original founding—65 years to the day.
Similarly, BCBank was born from a grassroots effort in the late 1960s, when local business leaders recognized the need for a locally owned, community-minded financial institution in Barbour County. Barbour County Bank officially opened on June 2, 1970, quickly earning a reputation as a trusted community partner offering safe, secure, and competitive banking solutions. Continued success led to the formation of Appalachian Financial Corporation in 1986, providing a strong foundation for future growth. As demand increased for a well-capitalized local bank, with exceptional customer service, expansion followed into Harrison County and beyond, prompting the name change to “BCBank”. BCBank built a strong legacy serving North-Central West Virginia through five conveniently located branches.
While each bank followed its own path, both shared the same mission from the very beginning: to serve their customers with unwavering commitment, integrity, and heart. Today, united as one bank, with a total of nine locations across North-Central West Virginia, we look forward to continuing that mission together—honoring our shared history while building a strong future for the communities we proudly serve.