First Baptist Church, Pell City, celebrated its centennial early in April with a look back and a look ahead.
This church, which is in the same location – albeit a larger structure- as 99 years ago, marked its 100th anniversary with a churchwide barbecue April 5 and a covered-dish lunch April 6. Along with historical activities during the weekend, the two Sunday morning services featured former ministerial staff members taking active roles. Pastor John Thweatt led the Sunday services.
The church was chartered in 1903 with 18 members. Its first building – a white frame structure- was constructed in 1904 on what is the lawn of the current church. The three-room building and the grounds, according to the church’s officer manager Rachael Bennett, were valued at $3,000.
By the 1940s, membership had increased to 350. In late 1948, the pastorium – a $22,000 brick home – was completed across the street from the church. The structure was used for ministerial housing until about 10 years ago, Bennett said. Now, it provides space for Sunday School and youth worship.
In 1950, the first service and the first wedding took place in a new sanctuary. The first ordination was that October, Bennett said. The same sanctuary is used today.
Through the years, additional lots around the church were purchased to allow for growth. By 1960, Bennett said, the church owned the entire block. Since, it has expanded to include other properties nearby.
By 1958, the church’s membership was nearing 500. In 1963, the members opened an education wing, which is still used today.
In 1990, the church added its family ministry building, which features a gym and provides space for the preschool weekday ministry and Sunday School. Bennett said 170 children, ages 2-5, are enrolled in the weekday ministry, a number that does not include all the older children involved in the church’s after school program.
And now, with 1,100 members, First, Pell City, is considering another expansion.
(TAB)
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