Carl Uptain celebrates 50 years in ministry

Carl Uptain celebrates 50 years in ministry

Dutton Hill Baptist Church, Parrish, honored its pastor, Carl Uptain, on Oct. 13 during a special recognition of his 50 years in ministry.

Uptain, who has served at Dutton Hill Baptist for about a year and a half, began speaking at churches when he was just 19. 

His early ministry roles began at Liberty Grove Baptist Church, Nauvoo, in Walker Baptist Association, where he served as Training Union director and also worked with the youth in Sunday School. 

He attended Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham and also took extension courses through Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Ill., and Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Ind.

Uptain has been the pastor of nine churches, serving in Walker, Birmingham and Sulphur Springs Baptist associations. Before serving at Dutton Hill, he served for two years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Tarrant. 

“In every pastorate, I’ve learned there are some special people … who really help you and stand by you as an encouraging individual. I’m appreciative of them,” he said.

During the Oct. 13 service, several people spoke words of encouragement and Uptain was presented with a plaque. 

Uptain is married to Viva, and between them they have seven children.