Hamilton bids farewell to state Baptists in report

Frances Hamilton said a tearful goodbye to state convention messengers Nov. 15 during her last report as executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission (ABHC).

Hamilton, who has served at the helm of ABHC for more than 13 years, will retire Dec. 31. She thanked the ABHC staff and board members for being "dedicated Baptist servants who have given their time and resources to preserve and celebrate our heritage."

Hamilton also thanked Alabama Baptists for the fond memories of working and worshiping together over the years.

"All of this is our history — the story of the ways in which God has worked and is working among us," she said.

"Our history, our heritage and our existence depend on the Lord, Jesus Christ," she added.

ABHC Chairman Jim Jackson called her a "model for all of us wherever and whenever we serve."

"She has served her Christ with Alabama Baptists, and she has served our churches in that same spirit," he said. "Thank you, Frances, and we thank our Lord for the privilege of serving with you."

Before giving her farewell report, Hamilton introduced her successor, Lonette Berg, who currently serves as special assistant to the executive director.

"She is intelligent, efficient and knowledgeable with an academic background in history and law," Hamilton said. "She loves the Lord, loves Alabama Baptists and loves the work of the commission. She looks forward to working with you, and I hope you make her work very hard."

A trained attorney, Berg previously served as one of the 16 volunteer ABHC commissioners from 1998 to 2003.

The commissioners, representing the 12 districts of Alabama Baptists, function similarly to a board of directors and regularly represent the ABHC in churches. She was named chair of the commissioners in 2002 and served in that position until she was hired as special assistant.

Hamilton also announced that Jonathon Duke, a member of Southside Baptist Church, Greenville, won the ABHC’s essay award competition for a paper on Centre Ridge Baptist Church (now Carlowville Baptist Church, Minter, in Selma Baptist Association). (TAB)