Although it closed its doors for a decade and then later burned down, Big Hill Baptist Church in Gordo is going strong now.
The church celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 30–31. On Saturday former and present members gathered for singing, barbecue and fellowship. On Sunday, one of the former pastors, Billy Carl Sullivan, preached and Gary Farley from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented the church with a commemorative centennial plaque.
It’s no surprise how the church came to be known as Big Hill Baptist — it sits in Pickens County atop a big hill.
“The church got its name from the terrain in the area,” said Pastor Ralph Smith. “It overlooks Lubbub Creek.”
Although not officially organized until 1904, Big Hill Baptist may have been around even earlier. “There’s a cemetery on the grounds with death dates that go back to 1866 so we think there must have been something, or some kind of church around here,” said Smith.
In 1904, W.A. Deason and others in the community came together to form the church. Deason donated an acre of land on which to build the building. The church joined the Sipsey Association the same year.
Smith said he was especially happy to see so many of the Deasons at the celebration — even though they don’t currently attend the church.
“A large contingent of W.A. Deason’s family came,” he said. “There were about 15 of his direct descendants present.”
Several former pastors and their family members were present at the anniversary celebration. Ed Vaughn, Jerry Ray, Eugene Durkin, Kenneth Webb and George Hyche all returned for the celebration.
The church ceased meeting from 1926 to 1939 — there are no records for these years and according to Smith, no one is quite sure what happened.
“We do know that one lady in the community, Mrs. Nichols, prayed for the church to open back up and in December 1939 it was reorganized,” Smith said.
The church started a Sunday School program in 1947 but an unfortunate fire in 1951 set the church back a few steps. Until the church could be rebuilt, church members met in various homes for worship. The new building was completed by summer of 1951.
“Some of the ladies in the church back then made a quilt to sell to raise money for the new building after the fire,” Smith said. “The lady who owns the quilt gave it back to the church this weekend.”
The quilt was on display during the weekend celebration as were letters and photographs from members documenting the impact the church has had on many lives.
Ruby Walters, 67, said she’s been at Big Hill Baptist her whole life. “It’s the only church I’ve ever been in except just to visit,” she said. “This church means everything to me. It’s where I want to be. It’s home to me.”
“I was the song director for 40 plus years,” she said. “I met my husband there.
He was a Freewill Baptist but came to our revival. I invited him to sit with me and the other young people.”
Two years later Walters and her husband, Raiford Walters, were married in the church. Raiford Walters is currently serving as the chairman of the deacons at Big Hill Baptist.
Smith, who has been pastor since 1999, also served the church as pastor 1993–1995. “The Lord led me to pastor this church twice,” he said. “I find it to be a loving church that cares about the physical and spiritual welfare of the people and the community.”
Smith grew up in the area but attended another church. “Big Hill always had an effect on me,” he said. “One of my siblings was saved here in a revival meeting.”
Smith said the church has a healthy outlook for the next 100 years.
“We’ve got 107 members — we’re big enough to have a full-time pastor now for the first time,” he said. “And the church members are very evangelistic and they serve the community.”
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