First, Talladega, celebrates 165th anniversary, dedicates new hall

First Baptist Church, Talladega, celebrated its 165th anniversary recently, with a nod to its past.

The church dedicated a new Hall of History May 28, which pays homage to the church’s beginnings. The hall includes cabinets, pictures, paintings, documents and shadow boxes that provide a visual history of the church.

“I’ve always believed you don’t know who you are unless you know where you’ve come from,” said Pastor Curtis Kelley.

The Hall of History contains items of historical interest, dating from the church’s founding in 1835. Church members said the area is a place for recalling the heritage of the church, which they hope will generate a renewed interest for the future.

Walter Belt White, church historian and author of History of First Baptist Church of Talladega, led a six-person committee that worked for two years collecting, organizing and displaying items dating from the origins of the church up to its present ministry.

Included in the hall are pictures of the church’s 21 pastors.

White said he hopes future displays will include themes such as staff members, “pillars of the church,” weddings, church chronology, etc.

“Since the display is visual, I hope it will constantly remind our members of the great things that have been done here, and maybe that will encourage us to continue doing great things,” White said. (TAB)