Thirty years ago Doug Tate pitched a revival tent on one acre of swampland in Sumiton to start a church.
Thirty years later he leads a 500-member congregation in a 39,435-square-foot building on 4.5 acres in that same area.
“I didn’t know when, but I knew the Lord laid it on my heart and showed me a vision that one day there would be a large church here,” Tate said. “I knew that one day that would be a reality.”
Grace Baptist Church in Walker Association celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the church and of Tate’s pastorate May 23.
Members remembered Tate taking the revival tent around the state during the week to preach revivals and then returning with it for Sunday’s service.
“I appreciate Doug having the courage to bring that tent to different places,” said charter member Giles Leach. “I was saved under that tent.”
Grace members also recalled Tate and other volunteers cutting down trees and hauling truckloads of dirt to make the land appropriate for building a church.
And through that early vision of what could be, Tate has seen the church members build a sanctuary that can seat 800 and has a family life center and 27 Sunday School rooms. The church also has expanded its music ministry during the 30 years and added other ministries.
It has a television ministry, a deaf ministry and extensive ministries for children, youth and adults.
Tate attributes Sunday School and the members’ desire to promote evangelism as the reason for the church’s continued growth.
“It’s just great to have so many people here and I’m so grateful for every soul that has been saved, and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
As part of the day’s celebration, Country Boy Eddy, a member of the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, delighted the crowd with country gospel songs such as “Suppertime” and “I Love You Lord.” Craford Rooks, a member of First Baptist Church, Fultondale, accompanied Eddy on the mandolin.
Dignitaries recognized the value of Grace Baptist’s ministries in Sumiton and the nearby communities during the service.
“I’m thankful as the leader of this community for the people in Grace Baptist Church because you hold up the banner for the people to follow,” said Sumiton Mayor Petey Ellis.
“The communities are only as good as the people, and the people are only as good as the churches. And we are certainly thankful for Grace Baptist Church,” he said.
Another official from Sumiton praised the church for its values.
“I see daily in my job that our society’s morals and values are deteriorating, but it’s encouraging to see the impact this church has,” said Walker County Sheriff Mark Tyree.
“[Tate] is an inspiring individual,” said Doug Pearson, editor of the Daily Mountain Eagle in Jasper.
“As you go through life you will meet people like Doug Tate, but they are few. But when you do, you’ve met a true Christian, a true man of God and someone you enjoy saying is your friend.”
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