HISTORY OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

FIFTY-NITH ANNIVERSARY

1908-1967

 

A religious institution, a social institution, or an educational institution rises or falls, succeeds or fails moves forward or goes back ward in proportion to the insight and dedication of its leadership.  Such an institution serves well its own constituency or others who share its services to the extent that its leaders define its purpose well and devote themselves untiringly and unstintingly to the fullest realization of these purposes.

Even with excellent leadership, a religious institution cannot continue to exist and serve a community without the good will, interest and support of its humblest members and interested friends.

First Baptist Church, Which celebrates its fifty-ninth anniversary today (Sunday, May 28, 1967) is able to look backward and recall the devoted membership and dedicated leadership which has contributed to its effectiveness in this community.

This Church had its humble beginnings in 1908 when a small group of men and women set about the task of organizing a church.  Its first Pastor was the Reverend Mr. R. C. Pulley.

A large number of members have come and gone.  They have made their contributions- material and spiritual and are warmly remembered.

We pay special tribute to these deceased deacons: Messieurs R. B. Lungford, Charlie Gee, Dease Putney, Edward Harris, George Ivey, J. E. Scott, Herman Watson and Fleix McGhee.

The Pastors who have served First Baptist through the Years until the present day are: Messieurs R.C Pulley, James Jeffers, J.C. Gosten, J.W. Overby, Harrison Bagley, K.P. Evans, B.H. Agnew, and C.A. Greenhill.

During the Pastorate of Reverend Greenhill, which began in 1963, the physical plant of First Baptist has been greatly improved.  These improvements include new carpeting, communion table and flower stands, air condition unit, heating unit, stained-glass window along with the painting of the interior and exterior of the building.

Too, our membership has increased greatly under the able leadership of our pastor, Rev. Greenhill. 

All of these accomplishments would never have been possible without the loyal cooperation, interest, pride, and financial assistance of our members.

History is important, but first the future is even more significant as we celebrate the fifty-ninth year of service. Let us look forward and lend all our efforts to making even greater material and spiritual progress during the years ahead.

 

                                                      -Mrs. P.M. Drummond, Church Clerk

Rev. Harrison Bagley

Rev. Kemp P. Evans

Rev. B.H. Agnew

Rev. Clarence A. Greenhill

Rev. Fredderick H. Bagley

Rev. James Armstead

Rev. John Richardson