Phenix City’s Lakewood celebrates 125 years

Its name and location may have changed in its 125-year history, but what has not changed for Lakewood Baptist Church, Phenix City, is its purpose — to bring people to Christ.

And Oct. 24, about 300 people gathered on the front lawn to worship and celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past 125 years.

“I don’t know if the church has ever had a worship service outdoors,” said Pastor Billy E. Dickerson Jr. “We thought it’d be something unique. And it was a way for the people in the community to be able to hear if they wanted to.”

Brian Squires, a former member who now serves as a bivocational pastor in Tennessee, brought the morning message, and Lonette Berg, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, presented the Russell Baptist Association church with a plaque for its years of service.  

Following the service, attendees ate lunch on the grounds, enjoyed special music and listened to four people speak on the history of the church. The story started with its beginning as Mount Olive Baptist Church and covered the name changes to Westside Baptist Church and Lakewood Baptist and what has taken place during Dickerson’s nearly four-year tenure.

“We don’t want to think that our best days are in our rearview mirror,” Dickerson said. “Our hope … is to be more intentional in fulfilling the Great Commission.”