Pattie Thomas will tell you — Alpine Baptist Church “is truly a special place.”
“I joined Alpine Baptist as a newlywed (in the mid-80s). I’ve raised my children in the church, and it has blessed me all these many years,” she said.
And it has blessed many others in years past, according to church history. The Coosa River Baptist Association church, led for more than 40 years by Pastor Larry Morris, celebrated its 175th anniversary with a series of events, culminating with a special service April 29.
Thomas put together a memorabilia room and slide show of the history of Alpine Baptist, asking church members to bring items they had that were pieces of the church’s history. “We had things like the original key to the building, an old silver set that was used in Communion, and one member brought her first Easter basket,” she said.
The anniversary activities kicked off with a special Easter egg hunt.
“It was an [honor] for the children to learn about the history of the church,” said lifelong member Lou Rainey Boggs. “We had activities based on what took place 175 years ago, what kinds of things children did back then, even what kind of candy they ate.”
During the April 29 service, guest speakers included former pastors Larry Haslam and Jon Appleton. Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, also presented a plaque to the church.
Patsy Hubbard, Alpine Baptist’s choirmaster, has gone to the church her whole life and played the piano there when she was a child.
“I actually live in Talladega but drive to Alpine every Sunday. I wouldn’t miss it,” Hubbard said. “We celebrate all the time; we’re a very close knit group.”
Thomas said Alpine is not a large church but it’s strong and “does a lot for the Alpine community.”
Share with others: