The willingness to “adapt to changing times but not compromise Christian principles” is one of the secrets to Perdido Baptist Church’s remarkable longevity, according to Pastor Michael Soesbe.
The Baldwin Baptist Association church celebrated the 125th anniversary of its 1882 founding in October.
During the Sunday morning worship service, members commemorated the anniversary by sharing testimonies such as their salvation experiences and baptisms in the church.
Larry Patterson, director of missions for Baldwin Association, also gave a charge to the congregation and presented a plaque. The Alabama Baptist Historical Commission also made a presentation.
Soesbe estimated 200 attended the dinner following the service.
Perdido Baptist also hosted a large block party the day before with the help of Baldwin Association’s block party resources. The event included inflatables and door prizes in a carnival-like atmosphere.
“We identified several prospects for the church through this outreach,” Soesbe said, adding that about 150 people attended.
Perdido Baptist averages about 60 in Sunday School and worship on a typical Sunday, he said.
According to him, the church has a history of missions involvement, including hurricane relief work — a natural ministry, given its location about 50 miles from the coast.
Perdido Baptist also reaches out to the far corners of North America. The church sent a disaster relief team to Minnesota to assist areas ravaged by August flooding. It also served as the sending church of Tom and Eloise Brown, who served a term as missions volunteers in Utah.
Perdido Baptist also has a long history of service in its community. Baldwin Association records list the church as its fifth oldest congregation.
According to Shirley Propst, the church’s Woman’s Missionary Union director and assistant librarian, Perdido Baptist was formed by Pastor James L. Bryars as part of Elim Association.
When Baldwin Association formed in 1914, the church became a charter member.
Perdido Baptist relocated to its present site in 1934. The building was physically moved by placing it on rolling logs pulled by mules. A bell tower erected in the 1970s houses the original and still operational bell.
Many of the church’s records were lost in a fire in the late 1960s, but fortunately the original land deed was stored elsewhere and saved. The deed is currently on display in the fellowship hall.
Marvin Weekley, a member for nearly 60 years, said his family goes back about 100 years in the church. He described Perdido Baptist as a “God-loving people carrying on the tradition of keeping the church for the next generation.”
Share with others: