In the beginning years of Old Salem Baptist Church, Frisco City, members were scattered across a wide, rural stretch of the Alabama Territory. They had to ford Limestone Creek and other smaller creeks and streams to attend worship services.
When the rains were heavy, they were cut off from the church — but they persevered. And 200 years later, the congregation is still going strong.
“Combing through the history that we have was both joyous and tearful,” the church bulletin read on Old Salem Baptist’s bicentennial celebration service Nov. 19. “What a joy it was to see the handwriting and read the words of those who stepped out in faith 200 years ago.”
To mark the anniversary, former pastors and members gathered together for Memories Day on Nov. 18 and the celebration service the following day. Cleveland Brown, who grew up in the church and served as its pastor from 1965 to 1969, sang “The Old Rugged Cross.”
Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, was the guest speaker for the day. Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented a framed certificate, and John Marks, director of missions for Bethlehem Baptist Association, presented the church with a plaque.
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