Bear Creek Baptist Church in Wilcox County has a past and a future, thanks to a grant from the Alabama Historical Commission and a group of local residents who saw potential in the old building.
Organized in 1835, the historic church and cemetery had become overgrown with weeds and towering trees after being abandoned for more than 40 years. The roof, front porch and flooring were in bad need of repair, and new paint was needed inside and out. But the handmade pews crafted from local oak trees seemed sturdy. A dusty piano remained, as did the pulpit and offertory table.
Gladys Mason, clerk and ministry assistant for Pine Barren Baptist Association, and a group of friends felt a need to do something.
“I didn’t know where to start,” she recalled. “But I knew God would lead our group, and we could depend on Him to restore this beautiful old church.”
Mason had never written a grant, but with the support of associational leaders, she got busy. She sent photos of two grave houses and headstones of soldiers of the Civil War, WWI and WWII. The group was awarded $45,000 to renovate the historic church.
Preserving the past
Over the past 10–12 years, donations have helped repair and replace windows to keep out rain and inclement weather. At least $20,000 has been provided by area residents and members of other Pine Barren Association churches who are eager to preserve the structure.
Several services have been held at Bear Creek in the last decade, but the church has been inactive since the 1960s. An afternoon praise and celebration service was held on Nov. 6 at Bear Creek.
Mason said the early Christmas program gave the community an opportunity to pray, sing Christmas carols and fellowship.
Steve Dunn, associational missionary for Bethlehem and Pine Barren associations spoke.
Dunn hopes to start monthly services at Bear Creek, offering his services to fill the pulpit as needed and setting up a rotation of supply speakers. Eventually, the building would make a “beautiful backdrop for a wedding,” Dunn said.
Click here to find tips for grant writing.
EDITOR’S NOTE — TAB correspondent Carolyn Tomlin is the author of numerous articles and books, including “Writing Grants for Faith-Based Organizations and Community Non-Profits.”
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