Fifty years to the day after its first service was held, Victory Baptist Church, Lanett, celebrated its golden anniversary.
About 150 members and guests gathered at the East Liberty Baptist Association church Nov. 8 — 50 to 60 more than on an average Sunday — to welcome Director of Missions Dale Wood, who gave the morning sermon. Living charter members were honored during the celebration, and one of them, Ferrell Lashley, read the church history aloud.
Victory Baptist was honored by the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission as commissioner Calvin Milford presented the church with a plaque.
The church, which was begun by 51 people from a Sunday School class of Calvary Baptist Church, Lanett, has been growing since 1959. Starting out with a half-acre or less of land in the shape of a “v” gave the congregation the idea to name the church Victory. Since then, the church has acquired more than 25 acres and added Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall to its sanctuary.
According to Pastor Larry Vinson, who has been at Victory for the past eight years, one result of the anniversary celebration was that the church has decided it needs more space and is considering building a new fellowship hall.
Over the years, Victory has been characterized by not only growth but also giving. About three years ago, the church donated land to the local Christian Service Center, which was started by East Liberty Association but is now an independent ministry.
As for its future, the church is looking at starting an after-school program to reach the community, Vinson said.
“There’s a good spirit in the church,” he said. “Folks are used to working together.”
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