Emmanuel Baptist Church, Scottsboro
Tennessee River Baptist Association
Favorite Verse: John 3:16
Favorite Hymn: “Amazing Grace”
Hobbies: Being involved in church-related activities
Family Status: Widower for more than 25 years after 47 years of marriage to wife, Myrtle; twin daughters, Linda Wallingsford and Glenda Eastham; son, Charles Seabolt Jr.; three grandchildren; one great-grandson
Charlie Seabolt, of Scottsboro, has preached for more than 70 years, most recently in October 2014 at the age of 101. For 47 years he served as full-time pastor of churches in Tennessee River Baptist Association. The first was Skyline Baptist Church, Scottsboro, and the last was Central Baptist Church, Scottsboro. In-between he served at Mount Ararat Baptist Church, Woodville; New Home Baptist Church, New Prospect Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church and Emmanuel Baptist Church, all in Scottsboro. A pianist, Seabolt used his talents in church music ministries and in singing schools. At Emmanuel Baptist he was pastor first, then music director. A machinist by trade, Seabolt also worked on military fighter planes and made tents for the Army. He believes a person never retires from Kingdom work, which is why he still witnesses to people whenever he can.
Q: What influences in your life pointed you to Christ at the beginning of your faith journey?
A: I’ve always been in church. My daddy and mother always carried us to church, rain or shine. I was about 12 years old, I think it was a Methodist preacher preaching, when I got saved. We were baptized in a creek. I’ve been in church all these years and it is so wonderful.
Q: When and how were you led into the ministry?
A: I’ve always helped in revivals. I’d sing. That has been my life always. I’ve been preaching the Word 70 years.
Q: What does the ministry demand?
A: When they ordained us to carry the message, they set us aside for a year to see if we would stand up to the vow that we made. And not just stand up, but to live what the Bible said. They worked with us a year. When you accept something from Jesus Christ, you’re supposed to do that.
Q: What do you get from the ministry?
A: I enjoyed it to be able to tell people and uplift Jesus Christ to a lost world. Without Him you can do nothing right.
Q: How do family members support you?
A: They back me up 100 percent.
Q: How do you see yourself involved in this in the future?
A: I have a desire and determination to be involved and never give up. That’s what God called us to do. He saved us to do something, to tell people about Him.
Q: What difference will this ministry make for you in the future?
A: I hope it will illustrate in the life that I live that Jesus Christ is my Savior. … If you hang around people very long, you can find out what they believe. Let your life shine for Jesus Christ. Help somebody, pray for somebody, tell somebody about Jesus Christ.
Q: What difference has Jesus Christ made in your life?
A: I have a new life. Jesus said, “You must be born again.” You accept that by faith and trust in Him. It’s not just a vow.
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