Leighton’s Zion Hill celebrates 50th anniversary

The sanctuary of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Leighton, was filled to capacity Nov. 7 for its 50th anniversary celebration. More than three times the normal attendance of 40 came to help mark the milestone.

Sam Wolfe, who led the Colbert-Lauderdale Baptist Association church’s dedication service 50 years ago, returned to speak. Jim Warren, former director of missions for Colbert-Lauderdale Association, also addressed the congregation.

The daughters of B.C. Willcutt, who founded Zion Hill Baptist, returned to talk about their father and the church’s beginnings. Allen Jeffreys of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission and Eddy Garner, director of missions for Colbert-Lauderdale Association, presented plaques. Event organizer Pam Clement created a display of Zion Hill’s original records, memorabilia and its missions programs in the fellowship hall. Looking to the future, Pastor Thomas Thornton said, “I hope [the church] grows and we continue doing the missions work we’re doing.”