Fayette minister marks 60 years, accepts pastorate

On Aug. 10, C.J. Townsend marked 60 years in the ministry, one day after accepting his 13th pastorate in Alabama. Sand Springs Baptist Church, Fayette, in Fayette Baptist Association called Townsend as pastor the day before Bethel Baptist Church in the same city honored him and his wife, Dorothy, for his years of service.
   
Since being licensed to preach in 1946 and ordained in 1953, Townsend has served churches in Texas, Georgia, Ohio and Mississippi in addition to those he served in Alabama. He holds degrees from East Texas Baptist College (now East Texas Baptist University) in Marshall, Texas, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He recently served two terms on the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and for 22 years during his pastorates, he also taught junior high and high school math.