Maple Springs Baptist Church in Chilton Baptist Association understands just what it means to truly lose everything. When arsonists attacked the church Dec. 29, they ruined the building and destroyed all recorded history of the church.
Providence Baptist Church, also in Chilton Association, knows a similar feeling (see story, this page). But while the church — which suffered an arson attack Jan. 12 — did not preserve its church records, it did save its history with the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission (ABHC).
Providence Baptist is one of nearly 1,400 Alabama churches that have filed their history and/or records with the ABHC.
“Microfilming is one of the best ways we can protect, preserve and share our great Alabama Baptist history and heritage,” said Lonette Berg, ABHC executive director. “It is a part of being a good steward of God’s blessings.”
Although taking time to preserve records is not always at the top of priority lists, especially with all that churches and church staffs have going on each day, Berg wants to make the process as painless and efficient as possible.
Church records are picked up, photographed on microfilm and returned at no charge. Two copies are made — one kept in Samford University’s Special Collections and the other at a secure off-site facility. If tragedy struck and a church’s records were destroyed, a copy could be printed using the microfilm.
For more information, contact Berg at 1-800-325-9863 or llberg@samford.edu. (TAB)
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