First Baptist Church of Roebuck Plaza, Birmingham, has enjoyed a gospel presence in its community for 125 years. Its members gathered Sept. 5 to celebrate that milestone.
The church has been on its current site since 1948, when Willie Spencer — considered the church’s matriarch — organized the women of the congregation to carry boards there from the original building, which was a half mile down the road.
Stories and memories like that one live on at First Baptist, according to Glenn Wilson, who has served as the church’s pianist since he was 18.
“The people you see in the photos on the display tables are still here among us and are a part of us, a part of the memories and legacy of our lives here at First Baptist Church,” he said at the celebration.
As part of the special service, Glen Wilson sang a solo, Debbie Campbell presented a certificate to the church on behalf of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission and Pastor Jim Auchmuty preached.
“In 1978, First Baptist Church ran above 200 in worship,” said Auchmuty, who has served as pastor there for 20 years. “Now it is mostly senior adults, but in per capita giving we rank right up there with any church in the state.”
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