First Baptist Church Montgomery rededicated and celebrated 100 years of Stakely Sanctuary on Nov. 12.
The sanctuary, named for former pastor Charles Stakely, was originally dedicated Nov. 11, 1923, after 18 years of debt-free construction. It was the worship center until completion of the new sanctuary in 2004. It was recently refurbished after being damaged in an arson attack.
Frank Stakely, descendent of Charles Stakely, gave a presentation, as did Basil Manly IV, descendent of Basil Manly, pastor during the 1860s. Neal Hughes, DOM for Montgomery Baptist Association, provided greetings, and Ralph Foster of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission presented a special commendation to pastor Mark Bethea.
The church unveiled its refurbished hall of pastors display, featuring biographies of pastors and church events throughout the nearly 200 years of FBC history. Sanctuary tours were offered, and members took pictures and left written recollections of their favorite memories of Stakely Sanctuary.
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