Olive Branch Baptist Church celebrates its 200th anniversary

Olive Branch Baptist Church, Evergreen, celebrated its 200th anniversary Sept. 3 and was surprised when its founding pastor Alexander Travis — portrayed by church member Dalton Campbell — came walking down the aisle in a top hat and carrying saddle bags.

Campbell and longtime member Eugenia Brown gave a historical presentation of Travis’ life and ministry, as well as the church’s ministry, including history with the state Baptist newspaper. “The Alabama Baptist was put in the church budget in 1947, and to this day Olive Branch Baptist Church continues to provide it for members,” Brown said.

Also during the service, Rick Lance, executive director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, preached, and Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented Pastor Herbert Brown with a plaque for the church. Former member Lonny Finley shared hymns, including “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks” and “I Am a Pilgrim.”