First Baptist Church, Montgomery, celebrated its 175th anniversary Oct. 17 with history, purpose and vision.
“At 175 we are at the zenith of our church and ministry productivity,” said Pastor Jay Wolf. “Our membership is the largest it’s ever been, and we are doing more than ever before as we are staying true to our missions ‘DNA.’”
Occupying four city blocks in the downtown district of Alabama’s capital city, the church has not moved since 1905, even when other churches have moved to growing suburbs. Instead, it recently completed its new facilities while keeping and using part of the old one.
The church was founded at another location in downtown Montgomery in 1829 — just 10 years after the city was incorporated — according to Kenny Hoomes, an associate pastor at the church.
The church has had 23 pastors, with several of them at times in their careers serving in prestigious educational positions.
He noted that several former pastors of the church played influential roles in the founding of the Southern Baptist Convention.
To help chronicle and present a “living history” for the Sunday celebration service, the history committee, headed by Ralph Foster, put together a multimedia presentation, Wolf said.
The presentation showed newer members the rich history of the church and sparked recollections of the journey of the church for other members.
A live interview conducted with a fourth-generation member, Lewis Figh, further enlightened members and guests.
Wolf attributes the longevity of the church to members realizing and participating in the mission of the church — to evangelize the lost and grow disciples, both in its hometown and around the world.
In 2004 the church, with a membership of more than 4,500, has numerous missions teams traveling domestically and internationally to spread the gospel and help to those in need, Wolf said.
The church has not forgotten its role in local missions. By purchasing the vacated First Presbyterian Church building across the street, First, Montgomery, expanded its ministries, establishing the First Baptist Community Ministries and Caring Center.
A member of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented the church with a certificate recognizing the congregation’s milestone anniversary. (TAB)
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