Carlisle, Etta

Hopewell Baptist Church, Pinson
Friendship Baptist Association

Family status: Widowed; one son, Dale, two grandchildren, one great-grandchild

Age: 103

Etta Carlisle is someone you should know because she has been a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Pinson throughout her entire life — 103 years. When she is able, she still attends church and Sunday School. Over the years, she has seen many changes. During her childhood, people traveled to church on foot, horseback or in a wagon. When Hopewell Baptist Church burned down, the congregation used logs for seats.

Q: How were you able to spend 103 years in the same church?

A: I didn’t want to go to another church because I live right here close to (Hopewell). I’ve lived in this settlement all my life.

Q: What are some of your first memories of attending church?

A: When the old church burned down, I was four years old. I cried because I wouldn’t have a place to go to Sunday School.

I’ve just got one child and the first time I remember carrying him to the church was when he was 2 months old.

Q: How does your church help you now?

A: People are so good and nice to me. They seem so glad for me to go to church because they say I’m the mother of the church.

I told them I’m no better than many other people who try to do right.

Q: How do your family members support you?

A: My boy comes back and sees me.

My boy looks after me and some of my neighbors bring me meals and things like that. I’ve got a sweet boy because he takes care of me.

Q: How do you feel about attending Hopewell Baptist Church?

A: I love Hopewell because I’ve gone to this church all my life. I’m trying to gain my strength back so I can go back. I just live for the Lord — that’s the only hope I have. I just lean on Jesus. That’s the reason I’m living, I believe.