It was “just an all-day celebration,” Rachel Jones said of the recent festivities surrounding the 100th anniversary of Johntown Baptist Church, West Blocton.
Former pastors spoke at a special church service, and some former members shared their testimonies and sang.
Bill Mathews from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented the Bibb Baptist Association church with a plaque recognizing its 100 years.
A booklet titled “A Celebration of 100 Years” was passed out to those in attendance. It featured a picture of the church on its front cover and was dedicated to the longest-attending member and pianist, Rozelle Fountain.
A picture of the church also was included on the hand fans that attendees were given as keepsakes.
After the service, attendees feasted on an “old-fashioned” lunch in the fellowship hall that included chicken and dumplings, butter beans and turnip greens.
Jones, wife of Pastor Ray Jones, said 80 people — a mix of current and former members — were in attendance.
“Everybody was just greeting everybody and remembering the good old days. … It was a good celebration,” she said.
Ray Jones agreed. “You just couldn’t have asked for much of a better day there,” he said.
A third generation Johntown Baptist member and the first known member raised in the church to become its pastor, Ray Jones said he has high hopes for its future. “We’re hoping to make plans for another [100 years],” he said.
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