Green, Herman o
History of First Baptist Church,
Div.Sch*
286
.1756362
G796
H673
1981
DUKE
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Digitized by tiie Internet Arcinive
in 2013
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A History
of
First Baptist Church
Dunn, North Carolina
1885-1981
A History
of
First Baptist Church
Dunn, North Carolina
1885-1981
BY:
HERMAN P. GREEN
AUGUST 31, 1981
Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 81-71423
Sponsor: First Baptist Church
West Broad Street at Layton Avenue
Dunn, North Carolina 28334
Printed in The United States of America
By: Twyford Printing Company, Dunn, N. C.
TABLE OF CONTENTS vj Sc-l.
Chapter H^'13 "ag®
Preface '^■' 4
Foreword 6
I Organization and Early History 7
n Real Estate Transactions 13
m Pastors of First Baptist Church 21
IV Meeting Places and Building Programs 47
V Churches Formed By First Baptist Church 63
VI Unrelated Events 75
Bibliography 88
APPENDIX
Ordained Preachers From This Church 92
Resident Church Members 92
Crestview Mission Members 99
Non-Resident Church Members 100
Current Constitution and By-Laws 103
PREFACE
In a regular Deacons Meeting of the First Baptist Church
held January 8, 1979, upon recommendation of the Pastor,
Dr. Thomas M. Freeman, the Diaconate commissioned me to
write a history of this Church and the action was confirmed
in a regulair church conference on January 10, 1979. This I
have made an honest effort to do. Temptation has been great
at times to insert into this work many valuable events told to
me that probably are true and correct. However, we realize
that all memories play tricks at times. Also that events
passed down from "mouth to ear" do in some cases become
unintentionally distorted. However, I believe that all histories
and especially Church histories should be truly factual and
unbiased. I, therefore, determined at the very outset not to
include anything that could not be documented or authentic-
ated. This I have done except in one small instance where
circumstantial evidence to me justified the risk.
To the custodians of the records mentioned in the biblio-
graphy and to the many others who furnished "pointers" or
who extended encouragement, when frustration became
evident, because the failure to obtain records led so often to
"dead end streets" I extend most heartfelt thanks. To Mrs.
Joseph C. (Emma Ann) Ruark, who so freely and without
restraint, allowed me access to all the writings both
Church wise and Secular of her father, Herbert B. Taylor, and
allowed me to photograph in her home two items described
in this history, I express my most sincere appreciation.
To George W. Williams, Church Clerk, to Dr. Thomas
M. Freemgin, Pastor, to Rev. Ray PhiUips, Minister of Music
and Education £ind to Mrs. Wesley (Ruth) Fowler, Church
Secretary, I owe a debt of gratitude for their assistance; to
Dr. Gary L. Josey, who assumed responsibility for the typing
and Ms. Carolyn Mills, who so patiently and skillfully typed
this work from my handwritten manuscript and put it in form
for the printers, I want to express my thanks for a job so
unselfishly done.
To my devoted wife, Elizabeth, who proofed the
manuscript and who said "Don't stop now!" when so many
times circumstances tempted me to quit. It takes much
spirited cooperation to accomplish such tasks.
By a Resolution of this Church Diaconate passed on the
8th day of JanuEiry, 1979 smd confirmed in a regular church
conference on January 10, 1979, this writer was commission-
ed to search out the historical truth wherever and whenever
it may be found and to so record it as a history of the First
Baptist Church of Dunn, N. C. That task is now finished and,
I fear, in a very imperfect manner. I, there, return all records
to the places from whence they came with the earnest hope
that the members of this Church and others who read this
work will make due gJlowance for all errors that may have
been committed, with the assurance that whatever duties
which, as a Church member, have been placed upon me, that
my zeal as a Christian Layman has always prompted me to
do the very best I can.
HERMAN P. GREEN
FOREWORD
The history of a church is the story of God and His
people working and ministering together in a local commun-
ity. It cannot be told routinely, nor properly told by an out-
sider. It requires faith in Grod, love for His people, a deep
interest and a willingness to search and work so that the
whole story can be handed down to succeeding generations.
Herman Patrick Green has proved to be an ideal church
historian, for he is and has been for many years an active
member of the Dunn First Baptist Church and a vital part of
its ministry in the community. At the same time he has been
a man of deep faith, of great love for the Lord and His
people, and a person who appreciates and is interested in
both secular and sacred history.
But it has been his willingness to research the history of
the Dunn First Baptist Church, and his determination to
produce a complete and accurate story of its life, that has
made possible the whole story. He has spent more hours
than even he has counted, driven his car more miles than he
has recorded, and worked more hours in devoted writing and
rewriting than any of us realize. He has done this as a labor
of love, without any desire for praise or remuneration, and it
has resulted in one of the most complete, reliable and
interesting church histories that I have ever read.
Not only does the Dunn First Baptist Church owe a great
deal to Herman Patrick Green for this splendid history, but
past generations and future generations are also in his debt.
I felt that it ought not to be printed without this tribute of
appreciation to him.
Dr. Thomas M. Freeman, Pastor
(irgamgatt0tT
nnh lEarlg Utator^
The ordeal of the bloody "War Between The States"
came to an end on April 26, 1865. Families in eastern
Harnett County, as elsewhere, had begim to pick up the
pieces and put their lives together. The Averasboro
Battlefield so near and the Bentonville Battlefield not too far
away are two of many places where brave and faithful men
sacrificed for causes those on each side believed to be true
£ind right. The Chicora Cemetery where rest at least 54
Confederate dead, 52 of which are unidentified "unknown
soldiers" is visible evidence of such sacrifice.
Continued search for rehgious truth was a major factor
in this rebuilding process. The South River Baptist Associa-
tion and probably other associations were sending out
"roving missionaries". These missionaries were to preach
and witness to groups wherever they could be assembled and
to form churches when suitable interest and genuine
enthusiasm were evident.
As evidence that this movement began very early after
the "wEu-" there is quoted below part of an article found on
Page 16 of South River Baptist Association Minutes of 1893.
"The origin of 'Antioch' Church in Cumberland County
may be traced back to the times before the 'War Between
The States' when Elder A. B. Alderman, a most faithful and
diligent servant of God, commenced preaching in the vicinity
of the present Church about the year 1858 and was about to
begin the work of building a house of worship when the war
came on and the people left their homes for the field of
carnage."
"After that great struggle ended the Executive Bosird of
the 'Cedar Creek Association' sent Rev. J. M. Beasley,
another active and etimest worker in the Lord's vineyard to
that field, and with his abvmdant meeins and also by the help
of a few of the brethren, the House was built, and in May,
1869, Antioch was organized with twenty-six members; they
elected Elder J. M. Beasley as pastor, who served the
Church in that office till 1876."
It may be interesting to note here that Rev. Sam F.
Hudson also served for a period as pastor of this Antioch
Church. Rev. Sam Hudson is now a retired pastor after many
years of fruitful service and is a member of this Church.
There is evidence that in 1883 one or more of "South
River Association Roving Missionaries" was preaching in
8
Pope's Schoolhouse in Heimett County. The name of this
schoolhouse was later changed to Greenwood Schoolhouse.
Efforts in this area began to bear fruit and to produce visible
evidence. Part of an article appearing in the Bibical Recorder
of Wednesday, October 21, 1885 „ wTitten by Elder S. C. Page
is copied below:
"CHURCH ORGANIZED"
"At the request of certain brethren and sisters a
Presbytery consisting of Elders H. J. Duncan, W. R.
Johnson, and the writer with brother H. L. Hall, W. Royal
and J. B. Downing from the Mission Board of the South
River Association, as an advisory council, met on the
twenty-seventh of September at Greenwood School House,
Harnett County. This point has been occupied by the Board
of South River Association for some time. It being decided
that the time had come to organize a Church at this place the
Presbytery organized by calling Rev. H. J. Duncan to the
chair and Bro. J. B. Downing as Secretary. Five members
came with letters from other Churches and six came forward
who had been baptized by Rev. W. R. Johnson, the present
MissionEiry, making it eleven in all. After adopting a suitable
covenant and constitution they received the right hand of
fellowship by the Presbytery and were pronounced in a
regular Baptist Church by the name of Greenwood."
Thus we have an article printed in the Bibical Recorder
just twenty-four days after Greenwood Church was organized,
written by a member of the organizing Presbytery or advisory
council giving the exact date of organization, the exact
number of chgirter members and the full list of the advisory
council sent out by the Mission Board of the South River
Association for the purpose of organizing the Greenwood
Church on the fourth Sunday in September, 1885.
In the minutes of the South River Association Meeting of
October, 1893, there is printed on Pages 16-19 £in article
entitled:
"A History in Part of the 'South River' Baptist Associa-
tion" together with accounts of the origin of a few of the
Churches that first united in the organization known as the
South River Association of reguleir or "missionary Baptists".
Some of this article gives additional information on the
organization of the Greenwood Church and, therefore,
sections appearing on parts of Pages 16 and 17 are quoted
below:
9
"The Baptist Church at Dunn, had its beginning before
the railroad whistle was heard waking the echoes in the pine
forests of the southern comer of Harnett County, where the
httle city of 800 or more inhabitants, and its six Churches
now stand on the line of railroad between Wilson and
Fayette ville."
"In the ye£ir 1884, the Executive Board of the South
River Association at their meeting at Salem Church in
December, 1883, authorized Rev. A. B. Alderman to visit
Pope's School-House, in Harnett County, £ind preach as
opportunity afforded. He did so, and kept up a regular
appointment there until the following August, reporting to
the Board at their August meeting that Pope's School House
was an important point and prospects there encouraging.
Pope's School-House is the place known as the Greenwood
School-House and is about a mile beyond the present
corporate limits of the town of Dunn; a place that had no
existEince at that time. For his services at Pope's School-
House that year, Bro. Alderman was paid $22.50."
"The next year, 1885, Elder W. R. Johnson was
employed by the Executive Board to take up the work at
Greenwood School-House which he did, holding a meeting of
days there, being assisted by Elder W. M. Page, and having
baptized six persons, a Presbytery was called, composed of
Elders W. R. Johnson, H. J. Duncan and S. C. Page, with
Bro. J. B. Downing, Clerk, and H. L. Hall, Assistant Clerk,
who organized £ind recognized the following persons, who
presented themselves with letters of dismission and certific-
ates of Baptism, into a regular missionary Baptist Church,
known as the Greenwood Baptist Church of Harnett County,
N. C. The names of the brethren £ind sisters are as follows:
Wm. H. Pope, E. C. Pope, L. G. Dorman, J. M. Jones, A. J.
Stanley, J. C. Godwin, Elizabeth Pope, Emily Pope, Sarah
W. Jones, Winnfred Byrd and E. J. Godwin."
"The Church thus orgEinized resolved to unite with the
South River Association, and delegates were at once
appointed, namely: Wm. H. Pope, E. C. Pope and J. M.
Jones. Elder W. R. Johnson was elected Pastor of the
Church, and continued to serve them through 1885, 1886 and
1887." Thus we have here the names of the eleven charter
members. We also have repeated the names of the organiz-
ing Presbytery or Advisory Council.
The Ninth Annual Session of the South River Association
met with the Church at Magnoha, Cumberland County, N.
10
C, October 20, 21, and 22, 1885. On the first morning of the
meeting, October 20, 1885, page five of the minutes has
recorded thereon the following:
"Called for petition£iry letters, when the Church at
Greenwood, Hsimett County, (newly constituted) presented
her petitionary letter. On motion the Church was received
and the following enrolled as messengers: Wm. H. Pope and
E. C. Pope and the right hand of fellowship given them by
the moderator."
We note here that only twenty three days after the
Greenwood Church was organized and one day before the
article referred to above was printed in the Bibical Recorder,
the Greenwood Church was officially received into member-
ship of the South River Association. It also may be of interest
to know that this Church was the only Church from Harnett
County at that time to be a member of the South River
Association and remained the only Church in Harnett County
to be a member of that Association until it affiliated with the
Little River Association.
The minutes of the Eleventh Annual Session of the South
River Association held October, 1887, continues to list this
Church as "Greenwood" and the Church letter to the
Association Usts its membership as nine males and twelve
females or a total of twenty-one. The minutes, however, of
the Twelfth AnnusJ Session of the South River Association
held October 24, 25 and 26, 1888, shows the name had been
changed in the meantime from "Greenwood Baptist Church"
to "Dunn Baptist Church" and the Church letter hsted its
membership of twelve males and twenty-two females or a
total of thirty-four.
The Thirteenth Annual Session of the South River
Association met October 23, 24 and 25, 1889, at the Dunn
Baptist Church, Harnett County, N.C. The Church letter to
the Association at that time Usted its membership as
twenty-nine males and thrity females or a total of fifty-nine.
The Fifteenth Annual Session of the South River
Association in October, 1891, Usted a membership of the
Dunn Church at thirty-eight medes and fifty-two females or
ninety members. The minutes of this session also listed for
the first time a Sunday school at the Dunn Church consisting
of eight teachers and fifty-seven pupils and R. G. Taylor as
the Superintendent. However, there is very strong and
11
compelling evidence that the Sunday school was organized in
1888 and that Sam Parker was its Superintendent for the first
three years.
In a regular Church conference held October 15, 1893,
the delegates from this Church to the South River Association
to be held in a few days were instructed to ask for a letter of
dismissal from that association in order for this Church to
join the Little River Association.
In another Church conference held October 27, 1893,
B. F. Campbell and E. T. Spence were elected as delegates
to the Little River Association AnnueJ Session to be held on
November 2, 3, 4 and 5, 1893, at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church,
Cumberland County, N. C, and were "instructed to cairry
our letter and ask to be connected with their body."
During the first day of the annual session of the Little
River Association held at Mt. Tabor Baptist Church,
Cumberland County, N. C, on November 2, 3, 4 and 5, 1893,
a petition was submitted from the Dunn Baptist Church,
Harnett County, N. C, requesting membership in Little River
Association. This petition was granted and is so recorded on
Page Four in the minutes of this session. The Dunn Baptist
Church is recorded in the October, 1893, Annual Session
Minutes of the South River Association as being one of its
members but there is no mention of £iny kind of the Dunn
Church in the minutes of the October, 1894, session of this
Association.
It might be of some interest to note here that the Little
River Association was organized at the Cumberland Union
Baptist Church, Harnett County, N. C, in 1875 and that it
held its first annual session on November 2, 3, 4, 5, 1876, at
the Lillington Baptist Church, Harnett County, N. C.
It also might be of some interest to mention here that
the Town of Dunn was incorporated under private laws of
1887 Chapter 23 and ratified February 12, 1887. The town
was laid out in the form of a circle with a radius of one-half
mile (2640 feet). An iron buggy axle was driven equidistant
between the rails of the railroad southbound main track in
the exact center of Broad Street to meirk the center of the
circle.
12
iReal lEatatE
olransacttona
13
Re£il estate transactions are an important part of any
Church activity. They estabhsh roots and point to progress
Eind dreams realized. The First Baptist Church of Dunn has
thus far entered into or been a part of twenty-one such
transactions of various kinds.
The first such activity was for the purchase of a lot in
Dunn for the purpose of erecting its first Church thereon.
The deed is dated June 1, 1887, and was from Henry Pope
and wife Ehza Pope (grantors) to James A. Taylor £ind
others, Trustees of First Baptist Church (grantee). Part of the
deed reads "in consideration of fifty doUars to them p£dd by
the parties of the second part — ." The description of the real
estate reads "beginning at alley on Broad Street thence said
street 140 feet to Layton Street thence down said Layton
Street 150 ft. thence back to alley 140 ft. thence up said alley
150 ft. to beginning on Broad Street and is know as Baptist
Church lot."
This deed was first recorded in Book W on Page 288,
Harnett Coimty Registry. The book was destroyed in the
courthouse fire and it was later re-recorded in Book 415 on
Page 472 Harnett County Registry on JanuEu-y 2, 1963. This,
of course, is the lot on which the present building stands.
There is an interesting sidelight concerning this instru-
ment. It is made to "First Baptist Church". The official
name at that time was Dunn Baptist Church and was not
changed to First Baptist Church until about 1909.
The second transaction is a mortgage deed dated April
18, 1888, from First Baptist Church (grantor) to Jake Beasley
(grantee) and is recorded in Book L-1 on Page 121 Harnett
County Registry. The Eimount of the lo£Ui was five hundred
seventy-five dollars £uid was used in constructing the first or
Wooden Church house. The property mortgaged is the same
lot described in the first instrument mentioned above.
Two sidelights could be pointed out here. First, the
grEintor is "First Baptist Church". Second, this mortgage
deed remains still uncEuiceled of record. This, however, is of
no real importsmce to the title since many ye£irs ago the
Statute of Limitations took effect.
We find for the third activity a deed dated May 8, 1909,
recorded in Book 170 on Page 491 Harnett County Registry
from P. T. Massengill and wife Elvira Massengill (greoitors)
to Dunn Baptist Church (grantee). The consideration was
14
"one hundred ten dollars to them paid by parties of the
second part — ". This lot was approximately 100 ft. x 150 ft.
and is located on the southeast comer of what is now the
intersection of South MagnoUa Avenue and East Duke Street.
The "South Dunn Baptist Church" was organized by the
First Baptist Church and occupied a building erected on this
lot for that purpose. Disposition of this lot by the First
Baptist Church fourteen years later is set forth in Item Six
below.
Item Number Four is a deed of trust dated May 14,
1914, and recorded in Book 109 on Pages 134 and 135
Harnett County Registry from First Baptist Church, Dunn,
N. C, part of the first part, to Southern Life and Trust
Company of Greensboro, N. C, party of the second part.
Southern Underwriters of Greensboro, N. C, and Dunn
Insureince & Realty Company, Dunn, N. C, parties of the
third part. The amount of the loan was $10,000.00 payable in
five annu£d installments of $2,000.00 on the 14th day of May
in the years 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919 and 1920. Interest was at
the rate of six percent payable semi-annually.
The purpose of this loan was to pay off part of the debts
accumulated in the construction of the present brick Church.
The real estate securing this loan was that lot described in
Item One above plus "a certain policy or poHcies of insurance
hereinafter designated shedl be assigned as collateral security
as hereinafter set out." This deed of trust was canceled of
record November 19, 1919.
The next real estate transaction. Number Five, is a deed
dated December 31, 1921, recorded in Book 196 on Page 554
from Arthur F. Pope and wife Will Cooper Pope (grantors) to
First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. (grantees). This house and
lot fronts on the west side of South Layton Avenue between
West Divine Street and West Pearsall Street. The lot is 75 ft.
X 140 ft. and the address is 308 South Layton Avenue. This is
the first parsonage owned by the First Baptist Church and
remained its property for about twenty-five years.
Item Six is a deed dated March 30, 1923, recorded in
Book 199 on page 317 Harnett County Registry from First
Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. (grantor) to Cassie Hodges "in
consideration of two thousand dollars to him pgiid by party of
the second part". This is the same lot described in Item
Three above.
15
Transaction Number Seven is a deed of trust dated
March 30, 1923, from B. A. Hodges £ind wife Cassie Hodges
(grantors) to First Baptist Church. The amount of the
indebtedness was fifteen hundred dollars "bearing interest
from date at six percent per annum and due and payable as
follows: $500.00 due January 1, 1924; $500.00 due January 1,
1925, and $500.00 due January 1, 1926." This is the same lot
described in Item Three above. This deed of trust was
canceled of record April 25, 1927.
The Number Eight Item is a deed dated April 14, 1945,
and recorded in Book 295 on Page 165 Hgimett County
Registry from L. A. Tart and wife Martha R. Tart (grantors)
to First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. (grantee) "in
consideration of three thousand and no/ 100 doUairs to them
pEiid by the parties of the second part — ". This lot is 75 ft.
fronting on South Layton Avenue £ind 150 ft. on West
Cimiberland Street and is the lot on which the present
p8irsonage is situated.
The Ninth instrument is a deed dated April 18, 1945, by
N. M. Johnson 2ind wife Bessie D. Johnson (grantors) to First
Baptist Church (greintee) £ind is recorded in Book 294 on
Page 185 Heimett County Registry. This is the parsonage lot
described in instrument Eight above. "The purpose of this
deed is that the grantors desire to release and quitclEiim to
the grantees £ind their assigns any interest which the
grantors might have in the above described tract of land."
Instrument Number Ten is a deed dated August 15,
1946, recorded in Book 302 on Page 153 Harnett County from
First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. (grantor) to Mrs. Sgilly
Cooper. Part of the deed reads as follows: "in consideration
of ten thousand £ind no/ 100 dollars to it paid by the party of
the second part — ". This is the same lot described in Item
Five above.
The Eleventh treinsaction is a deed dated March 30,
1953, from Ottis Jackson aind wife Doris Jackson to First
Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C, and is recorded in Book 345 on
Page 177 Harnett County Registry. This lot is 75 ft. x 140 ft.
and is located on the southwest comer of North Clinton
Avenue and East Carr Street and is the lot on which North
Clinton Avenue Baptist Church is now situated.
16
The Twelfth histrument is a deed dated November 2,
1955, and recorded in Book 365 on Page 415 Harnett County
Registry from Paul C. Hood, et. al, to First Baptist Church,
Dimn, N. C. Part of the deed reads as follows: "that said
parties of the first part in consideration of five thousand and
no/100 dollars and other valuable considerations to them paid
by said parties of the second part — ". The size of this lot is
140 ft. X 150 ft. and is on the southwest comer of West
Broad Street and South King Avenue. It is known by
members of the Church as the "Hood property" on which
the Sunday school annex building is situated.
The Thirteenth transaction was a deed of trust dated
February 10, 1956, and recorded in Book 355 on Page 277
Harnett County Registry. The deed of trust was from First
Baptist Church, Dunn, N.C., to Paul C. Hood, Helen H.
Prince, Madrid H. Best and Thomas R. Hood. The amount of
the indebtedness was "in the sum of fifteen thousand and
no/ 100 dollars for balance of the purchase price for the lands
hereinafter described." The interest rate was at six percent
per annum. The property is the same as that described in
Item Twelve above. This instrument has been CEinceled of
record.
The Fourteenth Instrument is a deed dated August 15,
1960, from the First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C, to North
Clinton Avenue Baptist Church and recorded in Book 398 on
Page 377 Harnett County Registry. Part of the deed is as
follows: "for the further consideration of the sum of ten
dollars, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged — ".
This is the same property described in Item Number Eleven
above.
Transaction Fifteen is a deed from Walter H. Adams,
unmarried, to First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C, dated
November 1, 1963, and recorded in Book 440 on Page 5
Harnett County Registry. Pairt of the deed is as follows: "that
the said Walter H. Adams, party of the first part, does
hereby convey as 'a gift and charitable donation' to the
trustees of the First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. — ". This is
a tract of land containing 6.89 acres £ind is on the old Coats
Road (S.R. #1725) occupied now by Westfield Baptist Church.
The Sixteenth instrument is a deed from the First
Baptist Church to Westfield Baptist Church dated July 22,
1964, and recorded in Book 452 on Page 141 Harnett County
Registry. This is the same tract of land described in Item
Fifteen above and was conveyed "for the further considera-
tion of the sum of ten dollars — ".
17
Item Seventeen is a deed of subordination dated
September 5, 1966, between First Baptist Church, Dunn,
N. C, party of the first part and Westfield Baptist Church,
party of the second part. The tract of land involved is the
same tract described in Items fifteen and sixteen above.
The deed in Item Sixteen above and a restriction in it to
the effect that if the property ever was put to uses other than
a missionary Baptist Church title to the property would
automatically revert back to First Baptist Church, Duim, N,
C. Because of the restriction the deed of subordination reads
in part as follows: "and whereas, said parties of the second
p£irt can procure a loEin only upon condition that the first
condition, that is, that the property shaU only be used as a
missionary Baptist Church, be waived, released and subor-
dinated to the liens and deeds of trust executed and to be
executed to certEiin lending institutions; and whereas, said
parties of the first part have agreed to such saiver, release,
Eind subordination, after being so authorized and directed by
resolution passed by the First Baptist Church of Dunn, North
Carolina, in regular Church conference assembled on Sunday
night September 4, 1966 — ".
The Eighteenth transaction is- a deed of trust dated
January 27, 1969, and recorded in Book 512 on Page 91
Harnett County Registry. It was executed by First Baptist
Church of Dunn, N. C, in favor of Home Savings and Loan
Association of Dunn, N. C, for the purpose of obtaining a
loan from said Association in the amount of one hundred five
thousand dollars. The property described in this deed of trust
is the same property referred to in Item Twelve above (Hood
property). The funds obtained by this transaction was used in
the construction of the Sunday school annex situated on this
lot. This deed of trust was canceled of record January 2,
1974.
Item Nineteen is a deed dated October 4, 1972, recorded
in Book 581 on Page 155 Harnett County Registry. The deed
was made by Willigim A. Poole and wife Katie T. Poole,
parties of the first part to First Baptist Church, party of the
second part. The lot described therein is 140 ft. x 150 ft.
located on the northwest corner of West Cumberland Street
and South King Avenue. The property is known by members
of the Church as the "Poole property" and is presently being
used as the Church recreation area. Stocks in the approxi-
mate amount of $25,000.00 was given to the First Baptist
Church by Mack M. JernigEin and Sallie N. Jernigan £ind
18
designated by them for the express purpose of paying for this
lot. At the conclusion of the morning worship service on
Sunday, October 26, 1980 the congregation adjourned to this
recreation area for the purpose of dedicating the area £ind
ngiming it in honor of Mack M. Jemigan and Sallie N.
JernigEm.
The Twentieth instrument is a deed dated August 30,
1975, made by Hginnah H. Brannon, widow, party of the first
part to First Baptist Church, party of the second part and
recorded in Book 629 on Pages 771 and 772 Harnett County
Registry. Part of the deed reads as follows: "in consideration
of the sum of ten dollars and other good and valuable
consideration — ". For all practical purposes this was "a gift
and charitable donation" by Mrs. Brannon to the Church.
This is a lot fronting 25 feet on South Layton Avenue and
running 150 feet "in a westerly direction along the line of the
lot of the First Baptist Church of Dunn, and parallel with
West Cumberland Street — ". This increased the size of the
parsonage lot from 75 ft. to 100 ft. on South Layton Avenue
and made possible the construction of a parsonage driveway
from South Layton Avenue and the closing the driveway from
the very busy West CumberlEuid Street thoroughfare.
The Twenty-First and last treinsaction to date is a deed
of trust dated July 28, 1978, £md recorded in Book 675 on
Page 666 Harnett County Registry, by First Baptist Church,
Dunn, N. C, to Home Savings and Loan Association of
Dunn. The purpose of this loan in the amount of one hundred
forty thousand and no/ 100 dollars to aid in the complete
renovation of the Sunday school section first constructed in
1934. The real estate securing this note and deed of trust is
the same as that appeeiring in Item One above. As of August
31, 1981, the note is in current condition and there remains a
principal balance of $107,397.58.
In summary, there have been thirteen regular deeds, one
quitclaim deed, one deed of subordination, one mortgage
deed Eind five deeds of trusts, making a total of twenty-one
treinsactions in all. The Church continues to retain title to lots
described in Items 1, 8, 12, 19, 20 above.
Uses made of certain of the nine lots this Church has
now or once had title to are referred to in the chapter on
"Meeting Places" £ind the chapter on "Churches Formed By
First Baptist Church".
19
20
CJljapter
f aBtora of
21
No organization can continue to grow and be fruitful
without constantly competent, energetic and dedicated
leadership especisilly a missionary Baptist Church.
Each of the twenty pastors of this Church have been out-
standing leaders and dedicated men. Visible evidence are
such things as membership growth and stability, land
acquisition and building programs. Churches formed, weaker
Churches stabilized, etc.
More important, however, are the countless intangible
and invisible evidences which have been so strongly felt by
so many souls both within and without this congregation.
Recorded below are their terms of office and a brief
biographical sketch when available. The last three former
pastors are still living and still active in Christian endeavors.
May the pastors that follow be as dedicated and as strong
leaders as all those who have gone before.
22
September 27, 1885 - FaU 1887
William Richard Johnson
Born - November 25, 1849 - Sampson County
Died - March 13, 1936 - Buried Cedar Creek Baptist Church
Cemetery, Cumberland County
Organized, with the assistance of Rev. Wiley Page, this
church £md was its first pastor.
Pastor several other churches mostly of Cumberland and
Sampson Counties.
Was present along with the second pastor, Rev. Isaac
Thomas Newton, at the Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration of
this church in 1935.
23
December 7, 1887 - September 2, 1888
Isaac Thomas Newton
Bom - November 25, 1849, nine miles west of Fayetteville,
N. C. on southern edge of present Ft. Bragg Reservation.
Died - December 7, 1944 while pastor of Piney Forest Baptist
Church, buried in Piney Forest Church Cemetery, Columbus
County, N. C.
Baptised - October 1875 by his Father Elder Reuben Newton
Licensed to preach August 28, 1882 by Rocky Mount Baptist
Church on what is now Ft. Bragg Reservation and ordained
by the same church on September 23, 1883.
Attended Donaldson Academy, Fayetteville, N. C.
Graduated Wake Forest College B.A. 1893
Married June 13, 1893 to Miss Hattie O Alderman who died
May 27, 1894. Married December 29, 1896 to Miss Dixie
Osborne of Brevard, N. C. who died June 28, 1947.
Five children: Mrs. A. C. (Anne EUza) Talbott—
(Still Hving)
Mr. Iri Thomas Newton— (Still living)
Mrs. Barrington T. (Ruth Osborne) Hill -(Still living)
Mrs. Hugh A. (Sarah Pauline) Moore— (Still living)
Mrs. William R. (Josephine Ceddwell) Fletcher—
(Still living)
Superintendent of Schools, Transylvania County N. C, 1903
-1904 and 1904-1905
24
Some of his Pastorates (on most occasions he served more
than one church at a time in "Fields")
Cedar Creek Baptist Association 1883-1885 and 1894-1895
Rocky Mount 1883-1885
Mt. Gilead 1894-1895
South River Baptist Association 1884-1888 and 1888-1891
Spring Branch 1884-1888
Lilly's Grove 1884-1885
Piney Grove 1886-1887
Salem 1886-1887
Royals Chapel 1886-1887
Antioch 1887-1888
Greenwood
Dunn 1887-1888
Clement April-September 1888 and 1891-1892
Central Baptist Association 1890-1895
New Hope (Wake County) 1890-1895
Flat Rock 1891-1895
Autryville 1891-1892
Sandy Creek Baptist Association 1892-1893
Carthage 1892-1893
Cameron 1892-1893
Cranes Creek 1892-1893
Raleigh Baptist Association 1893-1894
Cameron 1893-1894
Apex 1893-1894
White Stone February-October 1894
Transylvania Baptist Association 1895-1904
Brevard 1895-1903
Rock Hill 1897-1905
Mt. Moriah 1895-1905
Carson Creek
Little River
Zion
Broad River Baptist Association, South Carolina 1904-1906
Buffalo
Mt. Paran
(Possibly two others)
Kings Mountain Baptist Association 1907-1912
New Hope
Fallston
New Prospect
South Fork Baptist Association 1913-1917
Dallas
Long Creek
Lowell
Spencer Mountedn
25
Cape Fear-Columbus-Columbus Baptist Association 1917-1944
Whiteville 1917-1925
Bolton
Fair Bluff
White Marsh 1919-1926
Chadboum 1925-1934
Piney Forest 1930-1944
Lake Waccamaw 1933-1940
Oak Dale 1927-1929
Was instrumental in getting Dr. J. A. Campbell to accept
pastorates at Spring Branch and Dunn when he resigned both
these churches to enter Wake Forest College.
Member of the ordaining Presbytery when J. A. Campbell
was ordEiined in November 1886 and offered the ordination
prayer. Led the opening prayer at the funeral of Dr.
Campbell on March 20, 1934.
One sentence from an editorial printed in The News
Reporter, Whiteville, N. C. soon after the death of Rev.
Newton is quoted below, "It was said that Rev. Newton
influenced more people for good in Columbus County than
any other person."
26
April 1, 1889 - November 9, 1890
Dr. James Archibald Campbell
Born - January 13, 1862 about ten miles from Campbell
University on the road between Angier and Fuquay-Varina.
Died - March 18, 1934 - Buried in Buies Creek Cemetery
March 20, 1934.
Baptised - October 27, 1872 by his father "Mr. Archie" into
membership of Hector's Creek Baptist Church.
Ordained - November 1886 at Juniper Springs Baptist Church
Education: Attended Harnett Chapel (Suscription school) near
his home at the age of six for a few months. Attended a
grammar school at the age of ten with his father - Two
months term. Attended boarding school in Apex at the age of
seventeen. Attended Oak Dale Academy in Alamance County
in 1881 for two years. Resigned as principal of "Union
Academy" on January 13, 1885 to enter Wake Forest
College. Remained at Wake Forest for Spring and Fall
semesters of 1885 and Spring semester of 1886. Graduated
Wake Forest CoUege, 1911 B.A., 1926 D.D.
Teacher: Taught school first at age of seventeen for part of
one year in the area of what is now Chgdybeate Springs. A
prepatory school was organized known as "Union Academy"
at Winslow in northern Harnett County ten miles from Poe
(now Buies Creek) with J. A. Campbell as headmaster.
School opened on morning of January 7, 1884 with seventeen
27
pupils Eind enrollment increased to seventy-eight before the
first term was over. Resigned January 13, 1885 to enter
Wake Forest College.
Organized "Buies Creek Academy" and classes began there
January 5, 1887 with sixteen students. Headed this school,
first as principal then as president, continously until his
death on March 18, 1934.
Buies Creek Academy 1887-1926
Campbell Junior College 1926-1961
Campbell Senior College 1961-1979
Campbell University June, 6, 1979- Present
Married - November 18, 1890 to Miss Cornelia Frances
Pearson
Children: Leslie Hartwell Campbell, Arthur Carlyle Campbell
and Mrs. A. E. (Elizabeth Pearson Ceimpbell) Lynch.
Superintendent of Harnett County Schools 1890-1894 and
1897-1899
Pastorates:
Hectors 's Creek October 1886 to~
Buies Creek Baptist Church . . . 1891-1895 and 1898-1934
Dunn Baptist Church 1889-1890
Spring Branch Baptist Church 1891-1931
Cannon Grove Baptist Church 1888
Holly Springs Baptist Church, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church,
Averasboro Baptist Church, Benson Baptist Church, Coats
Baptist Church, New Life Baptist Church, Green Level
Baptist Church, Duke Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist
Church and maybe others.
28
April 1, 1891 - December 29, 1892
Dr. William Frank Watson
Bom September 5, 1862 - Fayetteville, N. C.
Died July 16, 1920 Alexander, Virginia - Buried Gastonia,
N.C.
Ordained 1886 at Wake Forest Baptist Church
Graduated Wake Forest College B.A. 1886
Honorary D. D. University of Richmond 1912
Pastor First Baptist Church, Gastonia, N. C. 1899 - 1903
Other Pastorates:
First Baptist Church, Edenton, N. C.
First Baptist Church, Monroe, N. C.
Spurgeon's Memorial Baptist Church, Norfolk, Virginia
South Street Baptist Church, Portsmouth, Virginia
First Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia, August 1,
1908 - January 5, 1916
29
March 2, 1893 - April 15, 1894
Dr. Needham Bryan Cobb
Bom February 1, 1836 - Jones County, N. C.
Died May 31, 1905 - Sampson County, N. C.
Education: University of North Carolina - B. A. & M. A.,
Judson College, M2irion, Alabama - D. D. 1889. Principal,
Lilesville Academy when Wilson B. Morton was student.
Licensed attomey-at-law and practiced in Pitt, Wayne and
Green Counties.
Vestryman in Episcopal Church until Oct. 1859
Baptised into Greenville Baptist Church
Ordained in Wilson Baptist Church 1860
Commissioned as Chaplain in Confederate Army June 12,
1861, and served three years
President N. C. Baptist State Convention 1879, 1880 and 1881
Retired to his farm in Seimpson County, N. C. 1895
30
November 1, 1894 - June 9, 1895
Dr. William Gary Newton
Bom October 6, 1873 - Kerr, Sampson Co., N. C.
Died December 24, 1966 - Richmond, Va.
Wake Forest CoUege - B. A. 1895; D. D. 1925
Rochester Theological Seminary - Th.G. 1898
Ordained Wake Forest 1893
Missionary to Nigeria 1889 for one year
Appointed Missionary to China October 6, 1902, and
remained a Missionary to China for 37 ye£irs
31
No
Picture
AvEiilable
January 12, 1896 ■ June 15, 1896
J. G. PuUiam
Bom August 27, 1857, McDowell County, N. C.
Student at Judson College, N. C.
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1885 - 1886
Ordained Coweta Baptist Church, Franklin, N. C. March 1886
Pastor Franklm, N. C. February 1886 - January 1887
Pastor LaConner, Washington March 1887 - September 1889
Elected President of Northwest Baptist Association, Washing-
ton Jime 15, 1889
Appointed State Missionary of Montana, November 26, 1889
Gen. My. A.B.H.M. Society for Montana
Pastor in Northern Idaho 1890 - 1891
Pastor in Woodland, California 1892 - 1894
Pastor Baptist Church, Smithfield, N. C. 1895
Pastor Dunn Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. January 12, 1896 -
June 15, 1896
Pastor Granite FaUs Baptist Church, Granite Falls, N. C.
1897
Living first in Piano, Texas £uid then in Wellington, Texas
1904 - 1907
Pastor Big Stone Gap Baptist Church, Big Stone Gap,
Virginia 1908 - 1909
32
,
'-
.
f
r-'^X/'
,.-a->
*"'%.
%
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►
J^
%
. "v
June 24, 1896 - August 1, 1900
Luther Rice Carroll
Born December 23, 1838, near Magnolia, N. C.
Died November 13, 1905 - Buried Old Town Cemetery,
Warsaw, N. C.
Attended public schools and academies in Duplin County, N.
C.
Confederate Army - April 15, 1861 - April, 1865
Married January 27, 1867, to Miss Jemima Ann Carlton - no
children
School teacher, farmer and Baptist Minister
Ordained December 13, 1896, Wsirsaw Baptist Church,
Warsaw, N. C. at age of 58
Pastorates: Dunn, Mt. OHve, Island Creek, Faison and Poplar
Grove, all in North Carohna
Tallest of all pastors of First Baptist Church — 6' 7".
33
January 1, 1901 - October 1, 1902
William Charles Barrett
Bom February 27, 1869 - Moore County, N. C.
Died June 29, 1930 - Laurinburg, N. C.
Wake Forest College B. A. 1896
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Other Pastorates: Durham, N. C, First Baptist Church,
Gastonia, N. C. November 1, 1911 - December 31, 1927
Wife: Miss Ruby McKay, Laurinburg, N. C. Children:
Margaret, Charles, Ruby, John
Resigned from Gastonia, N. C. church for health reasons.
34
April 1, 1903 - January 1, 1904
Dr. Wilson Bunyan Morton
Born February 19, 1856 - Lilesville, N. C.
Died March 12, 1925. Buried Oaklawn Cemetery, Louisburg,
N. C.
Ordained June 8, 1884
Education: Lilesville Academy, Wake Forest College LL.B
1884 and Southern Baptist Theological Semineiry
During his career he became a very successful optometrist in
Louisburg, North Carolina
Other Pastorates: Weldon, Sharon, Gardner's, Littleton,
Louisburg, Roxboro, Marion, Columbia, New Bethel, White
Level, all in North Carolina
Married to Miss Annie Upperman, Louisburg, N. C. Two
Children: Wilson B. Morton, Jr. and Elizabeth Morton
United States Commissioner
35
November, 1905 - December 31, 1911
Dr. Willis Richard Cullom
Born January 15, 1867 - Halifax County, N. C.
Died October 20, 1963 - Wake Forest, N. C.
Education: Wake Forest College M. A. 1892, Southern
Baptist Theological Seminary Th.M. 1895; Th.D. 1904 and
University of Richmond D. D. 1915
In 1896, the trustees of Wake Forest College invited him "to
inaugurate the study of Bible" as part of the curriculum.
Taught Bible for 42 years at Wake Forest College.
Served as interim pastor several times at First Baptist
Church, Dunn, North Carolina including the two years seven
months when this church was without a pastor.
36
February 1, 1912 - November, 1914
James Long
Bom Union County, North Carolina
Died December 28, 1939
Ordained February 18, 1892, Warrenton, N. C.
Education: Yadkin MinergJ Springs Institute, Wake Forest
College B. A. 1892 and Rochester Theological Seminary T. S.
1895
Some other Pastorates: Phelps,_N. Y., First Baotist Church,
Laurinburg, N. C. from February 1915 to 1919.
37
July 1, 1917 - January 27, 1918
Dr. John Alston [Jack] Ellis
Bom - January 29, 1882 Harpers Cross Roads, ChathEim
County, N. C.
Died - July 4, 1960 Restlawn Memorial Gardens, Raleigh,
N.C. (R£ileigh-Durham Highway)
Baptised - Cool Springs Baptist Church, Sanford, N. C.
August 25, 1889
Ordained - Forestville, N. C. 1909
Wake Forest CoUege B. A. 1911, M. A. 1912, D. D. 1928
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary B. D., Th. M., Th. D.
Army Chaplain W. W. 1 January 1918 - July 1919
Some Pastorates: First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. July 1,
1917 - January 27, 1918. Pullen Memorial Baptist Church,
Raleigh September 7, 1919 to January 13, 1929. First
Baptist Church, Sherman, Texas 1929 to April 1951 (Retired).
Interim Pastorates after first retirement: First to Roanoke,
Virginia, then to Parkwood Baptist Church, Portsmouth,
Virginia, then to Tabernacle Baptist Church, Raleigh, N. C.
After a few months as pastor at Tabernacle he was called as
full time regular pastor, Sept. 1951 and retired the second
time sometime in 1956 following an auto accident in January
1956 which impaired his health from which he never fully
recovered.
38
Married October 21, 1919 to Miss Helen Mary Becker,
Roanoke, Virginia (Still Living)
Four Children: Mrs. William A. (Elaine) Bond, John Alston
EUis, Jr., Mrs. John P. (Mary Gordon) Livingston, Jr. and
Leland Caswell EUis
Member of Executive Committee of Texas Baptist GenereJ
Convention for many years.
Twice elected Chairman of Board of Directors of the Biblical
Recorder in the 1950's.
June 2, 1918 - June, 1921
Eugene Irving Olive
Bom December 7, 1890 - Wake County, N. C.
Died March 6, 1968 - Winston-Salem, N. C.
Education: Buies Creek Academy, Wake Forest College B. A.
1910 and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Th.M. 1918
Pastor W£ike Forest Baptist Church and CoUege Chaplain
Wake Forest Alumni Director and many other responsibilities
on College staff
Acting Editor of Biblical Recorder November 1941 to
November 1942
Came to First Baptist Church of Dunn as bachelor pastor.
Found his future wife. Miss Iva Pearson in choir loft
directing the choir. Married in Redeigh June 29, 1926.
39
November, 1921 - January 1, 1929
Elbert Neil Johnson
Bom February 3, 1886 - Sampson County
Died February 26, 1969 - Buried Spring Hill Cemetery,
Wagrgim, N. C.
Education: Del School, Delway, N. C, Wake Forest College
B. A, 1910 and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Th.M.
1912
Pastorates: Morganton, Reidsville, Dunn, Mount Olive, Fair
Bluff, Bear Svv^amp, Wagrsun, All in North Carolina
Married to Miss Frances Livingston Johnson, Raleigh, N. C,
Daughter of Livingston and Fannie Memory Johnson (One
time editor of BibHcal Recorder)
Children: Dr. Meredith Johnson, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Hudson
and Dr. Elbert Neil Johnson, Jr.
Wrote a book pubhshed in 1955 entitled "THE MASTER IS
HERE"
In his later yeeu's, he v^rrote a number of hymns (Probably 130
hymns and poems) the first of which was chosen as the
"Centennial Hymn" for the Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary, and he was present when it was sung by the entire
Southern Baptist Convention. Two others of his hymns were
published by the Americem Hymn Society. One, "The Silver
Trumpet", emd anthem for men's voices £ind brass quintet.
40
was first performed by the Alabama Singing Men at the
Southern Baptist Convention in 1980, and was used by that
group in its tour that year. Probably only three of his hymns
have been published at this time. However, his great-
nephew, Nathan Corbett, a music missionary in Africa at the
present time, has the right to set his hymns to music and
probably other of his hymns will be pubUshed.
April 15, 1929 - April 15, 1939
Dr. Eugene Norfleet Gardner
Born November 12, 1894 - Franklin, Virginia
Died May 12, 1968 - Buried City Cemetery, Franklin, Virginia
Education: University of Richmond B. A. 1914, M. A. 1915,
D. D. 1952, University of Chicago B. D., Southern Baptist
Theological Seminary Th. M.
Baptised 1907, Franklin Baptist Church, Franklin, Virginia
Ordained at Franklin, Virginia October 15, 1915 (Franklin
Baptist Church)
Pastorates include: Sycamore Baptist Church, Franklin,
Virginia, Buckhorn Baptist Church, Como, N. C, Robert's
Chapel Baptist Church, Pendleton, N. C, Orphanage Pastor
(Thomasville, N. C), First Baptist Church, Dunn.
41
N. C, First Baptist Church, Henderson, N. C, First Baptist
Church, Laurinburg, N. C. (Retired and moved back to
Henderson, N. C.)
Professor Bible - Orphanage High School, Thomasville, N. C.
1925-1929
Professor of Bible - Campbell College - Six Years (While
Pastor at Dunn, N. C.)
Trustee of Wingate College
State President of Baptist Training Union
President of General Board (Two Years) N. C. State
Convention
Acting editor of "Charity & Children
Member of Board of Directors, Biblical Recorder
Member of Bogird of Directors of North Carolina Conference
for Social Services
President of Three Rotary Clubs (Dunn, Henderson, Laurin-
burg)
Member of the ReHef & Annuity Board, the Hospital
Commission £md the Foreign Mission Board (All Southern
Baptist Convention)
Recording Secretsiry of the Baptist State Convention of North
Carolina for Eight Years (Serving at time of his death) and
several other responsible positions with the Convention.
Author of many books including: "Old Testament Charact-
ers", "Lamp Unto My Feet", "Magnifying The Church",
"Journey To Japan", "Always The Ten Commandments",
"Changing Patterns In Christian Programs", "Ruth"
Married (First) to Miss Ruth Carver December 30, 1920
(Daughter of Dr. & Mrs. W. O. Carver). To this union two
daughters: Mrs. Robert (Lelia Norfleet) Hathoway, Rich-
mond, Virginia and Mrs. J. L. (Alice Ruth) Wilson,
Winston-Salem, N. C.
Married (Second) to Mrs. Mattie Macon White July 16, 1944
(Widow of a Foreign Missionary)
42
November 1, 1939 - September 15, 1942
Dr. Thomas W. Fryer
Bom January 14, 1905 - Chadboum, North Carolina
Still Living (retired) Ocoee, Florida
Education: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Th.M.
Roanoke CoUege, Salem, Va., D. D.
Pastorates: CHntwood, Va., Scottsboro, Va., Martinsville,
Va., Danville, Va.. Suffolk, Va., First Baptist Church, Dunn,
North CaroUna, Second Baptist Church, New Bern, North
Carolina, Stuanton Memorial Baptist Church, Miami, Fla.,
CoUege Park Baptist Church, Florence, South Carolina
Married to the former Miss Pauline Harp, of Galax, Va.
Three Children: Dr. Thomas W. Fryer, Jr., Mountain View,
Cal., Mrs. Richard Compton, Johnson City, Term, and Mrs.
Milton Skipper, Marion, S. C.
43
December 1, 1942 - June 1, 1949
S. Lewis Morgan, Jr.
Bom August 3, 1911
Still living in Washington, D. C.
Education: Wake Forest College A. B. 1932, Duke University
School of Religion 1936 and Southeastern Baptist Theological
Seminary Th. M. 1938
Pastorates: CUnton Baptist Church, CUnton, N. C. 1938-1942
First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. 1942-1949, Pet worth- Mont-
gomery Baptist Church, Washington, D. C. 1949-1968,
Washington Pastorial Counseling Service, Washington, D. C.
1968 — present
Married to the former Miss Cynthia Siler in 1938
Two Children: Lewis Marshall Morgsm and Mrs. Roger
(Cynthia Mahan) Diggle
Presently married to the former Ina Grim
Executive Committee North Carolina Baptist State Convent-
ion 1948, Southern Baptist Hospital Board 1951, Foreign
Mission Board, Southern Baptist Convention 1956-1962
Listed in Who's Who in Religion 1975ff.
44
August 1, 1949 - July 31, 1961
Ernest Parker Russell
Bom June 30, 1911 - Stanley County, N. C.
Still living - retired in Albemarle, N. C.
Education: West End High School, West End, N. C,
Draughon's Business College, Winston- Salem, N. C, Weike
Forest College B.A. 1944, Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary 1947 Th.M., "Who's Who in American Colleges
and Universities", Bookkeeper and Office Manager - Armour
& Co. 1930-1941
Pastorates: Corenth Baptist Church, Louisburg, N. C.
1942-1944, Inez Baptist Church, Inez, N. C. - 1942-1944,
Brown's Baptist Church, Warrenton, N. C. - 1944, New
Castle Baptist Church, New Castle, Ky. - 1944-1947, Green
Sea Baptist Church, Green Sea, S. C. - 1947-1949, First
Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. - 1949-1961, McGill Street
Baptist Church, Concord, N. C. - 1961-1972 and Dunn's
Mountain Baptist Church, SaUsbury, N. C. - 1972-1975
Trustee Campbell University
Trustee Meredith College
Member of "Committee of 100" Campbell University
N. C. Baptist State Convention Committee on "AdvEuice
Program of our Colleges"
Member General Board Kentucky General Association
Married to the former Dorothy Dowd Crutchfield and they
have two daughters, Mrs. Charles A. (Elizabeth Dowd)
Wilson and Mrs. David K. (Mary Ann) Lawson
45
April 15, 1962 - Present
Dr. Thomas Moten Freeman
Wake Forest University B. A. 1939
Southern Baptist Theological Semingiry Th.M. 1942
Campbell University D. D. 1972
Pastorates: Rural Churches, Johnston County, North Carol-
ina, Hocutt Memorial Baptist Church, Burlington, N. C,
Middle River Baptist Church, Baltimore, Md. and First
Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C.
Member General Board, N. C. Baptist State Convention
Member Board of Directors, Biblical Recorder
Trustee of Wake Forest University
Trustee of Campbell University
Member of Executive Committee Southern Baptist Convent-
ion
First Vice-President, N. C. Baptist State Convention 1970-
1971 and 1971-1972
President, N. C. Baptist State Convention 1972-1973 and
1973-1974
President, N. C. Christiem Action League
Chairman, Governor's Good Neighbor Council, Dunn and
Harnett County, North Carolina
M8irried July 24, 1942 to Miss Maisie Castlebury, Apex, N.
C.
Children: Dr. William Hardin Freeman, Mrs. Jan (Ann
Sinclgdr) Gazenbeek, Mrs. Edward (Judith Louise) McRae
and Mrs. Kenneth (Joy Ruth) Tilley
46
iEcEttng paces
and iBmltitng JPrograms
47
Meeting places of any organization hold many values
both from a sentimental and a historical point of view, not
only for its own membership but for the genered public. For
this reason edong with others it is fitting that records and
historical sketches should devote a part to this important
matter.
On September 27, 1885, the "Greenwood Baptist
Church" was organized in the Greenwood School House,
formerly the Pope School House. Where was the Greenwood
School House and was the school a pubUc or private school?
On June 25, 1888, two people on this same day died in the
newly incorporated Town of Dunn, N. C. One was WilHam F.
Jones, Age 32, son of D. and M. M. Jones and the other was
Ralph Jerome Jones, Age 14 months, son of D. A. and V. A.
Jones.
The Town of Dunn had not provided for a municipal
cemetery. Therefore, the City Commissioners met in an
emergency session and appointed three men to select a
suitable municipal burial site. They made their selection
approximately one mile from the town limits at that time neeir
the Greenwood School House site. The land was owned by
Henry Pope and wife, Eliza Pope.
Mr. & Mrs. Pope evidentadly gave their consent for the
interment of these two. At the proper time the two were
buried side by side in graves due east and west.
The committee appointed by the Town Commissioners
and Mr. & Mrs. Henry Pope evidentally had another
agreement since in the Registry of Harnett County there is
recorded a deed in Book B-2 on Page 12, dated September
14, 1888. The deed was executed by Henry Pope and wife,
Eliza Pope, parties of the first part, to S. W. Ptirker, Dr. M.
W. Harper, J. T. Phillips, J. J. Wade and A. T. Massingill,
Commissioners of the Town of Dunn, pEirties of the second
part. A section of this deed reads as follows: "that said
parties of the first part in consideration of Fifty Dollars
($50.00) Dollars, to them paid by the said peuties of the
second part, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
have bargained and sold and by these presents do bargain
sell and convey to said parties of the second part and their
successors in office a certain tract or peircel of land netir
Dunn, Heimett County, State of North Cgirolina, adjoining the
lemds of Henry Pope, for the use of a cemetery for the Town
of Dunn: Bounded as follows: Beginning at a stake and runs
north 71-12/100 yards to a stake then west 71-12/100 yards
48
to a stake then south 71-12/100 yards to a stake then east
71-12/00 yards to the beginning, containing five thousand
and fifty-eight square yards (5058) or one acre £uid a circle in
the center of said lot fifty feet in diameter."
It has been said and there is very good reason to believe
that this circle was first placed there to designate the location
of Pope's Schoolhouse which name was later changed to
Greenwood Schoolhouse. The circle is still there today, still
fifty feet in diameter, in the center of the intersection of two
streets and forming a circular drive around a gazebo in the
center of the circle. This spot also continues to mark the
center of the origingJ Greenwood Cemetery. The two original
graves mentioned above are eighty-five feet due east from
the center of the circle.
There is another infant grave on this same plot with the
two original graves and is located at the foot of the infant
Ralph Jerome Jones (one of the two original graves). The
inscription on the headstone of this grave reads: "C£U"1
Waveland Jones, son of D. A. and V. A. Jones, died July 12,
1884, age 10 months". The way this grave is crowded into
the plat, the position of both the headstone £ind footstone as
they relate to the other stones and the relationship of the two
infants graves is compelling evidence that the body of Carl
Waveland Jones was first interred at some other place and
was, at a later date, re-interred at this place... perhaps after
the death of his father which occurred March 6, 1891, and
whose body is also buried on this plot.
Mr. Henry Pope deeded the property to the Town of
Dunn in such a way that it lies due east and west between
north and south which is the way most cemeteries have been
laid out for thousands of years. However, the streets of the
original town of Dunn are laid out perpendicular to the
railroad and the avenues and alleys run parallel to the
railroad. Since the railroad does not run due north and south
through Dunn, the town is off true north and south or true
east and west by several degrees. This accounts for the fact
that South Orange Avenue comes into Greenwood Cemetery
at an euigle rather than perpendicular.
A careful seEirch of the records in the offices of the
Harnett County Board of Education between the years 1882
and 1888 reveals no mention of a Pope's School or a
Greenwood School. The land on which this schoolhouse was
located belonged to Henry Pope. It is reasonable, therefore,
49
to assume that Greenwood School was a private school rather
than a Harnett County operated school.
So much about the location of the Greenwood School-
house and some history about the cemetery. After some
discussion the Greenwood Baptist Church decided to move
from the schoolhouse into the Town of Dunn £ind made such
a move in the spring of 1887. As a result the official name of
the Church was changed from "Greenwood Baptist Church"
to "Dunn Baptist Church". The first meeting place in the
Town of Dunn was over the buggy repair shop owned by
Allen B. Godwin. Later this building was torn down and a
dwelling house built there. In 1931, Mr. £ind Mrs. Jacob A.
Underwood were Uving in this dwelling. A review of the early
Dunn City Directories reveals that the address of Mr. & Mrs.
Underwood at that time was 211 South Railroad Avenue. This
would cause the dwelling to face the railroad and be on the
northeast comer of East Divine Street and South Railroad
Avenue adjoining the Bowen law office building and at
present is a vacaint lot. On June 1, 1887, the Church
purchased a lot (Item One, Chapter Two) and immediately
began the construction of a wooden Church. The building
program of this Church house begain under the capable
leadership of their first pastor, W. R. Johnson, and was
completed under the very fine and dedicated leadership of
their second pastor, I. Tommie Newton.
The stay above the buggy repair shop was short lived
£uid the congregation moved to the second floor of the James
Addison Taylor Store located on Britt Alley. There was a
private school on this same floor during week days and the
purpose of this move was to be able to take advantage of the
School's furniture and equipment. The Church remained here
until it moved into its new wooden Church in May, 1888.
In the early days of Dunn, many prominent businesses
were fronting on alleys as well as streets and avenues. For
instance, a Mr. Hodges in the latter part of 1902 rented the
first floor of a building on Lucknow Alley and established a
business there known as Catfish Lumber Company. That
portion of Britt Alley concerned here runs from West Broad
Street to West Cumberland Street between what is now
Home Federal Savings and Loan Association and Skinner and
Drew Funeral Home. The Taylor Store building faced the
east side of Britt Alley. The wooden Church was dedicated,
including a note burning ceremony, on May 29, 1892, while
the fourth pastor, W. Frank Watson, served the Church. The
dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. C. Durhaim.
50
The wooden Church continued to be the meeting place
from May, 1888, until December, 1914. Membership growth
was consistant. The Sunday School was very active. Between
1906 and 1911, under the leadership of their eleventh pastor.
Dr. W. R. CuUom, four Sunday School classrooms were
added for the growing Sunday School.
It soon became evident, however, that continuing to add
to the wooden Church for its growing needs was impractical
if not impossible and so interest began to stimulate toward
the construction of a new brick Church. In the fall of 1912,
Mr. J. M. McMichael was secured as the architect who
developed plans in the style of the Romansque order of
architeture, having elegant stained glass windows and being
surmounted by a majestic dome covered with copper. A Mr.
Cooper was employed as contractor and construction began in
early 1913. The planning, development and construction was
under the capable, dedicated and devoted leadership of the
Church's twelfth pastor, the Rev. James Long.
The auditorium and several classrooms of this brick
Church was occupied in December, 1914. This same building,
plus two additions continues to be in the Church building of
the First Baptist Church of Dunn today. Dedication services
and note burning ceremonies of this new Church was held
Sunday morning, April 2, 1922, under the leadership of its
pastor at that time (fifteenth pastor) Rev. Elbert N. Johnson.
A very detailed account of this service can be found in the
April 4, 1922, issue of the Dunn Dispatch, Volume 8, No.
104. Excerpts from this news article are quoted below:
"An excellent and interesting program had been
planned. The Chairman of the Building Committee, Mr. J. C.
Clifford, read many congratulatory messages, letters and
telegrams from former pastors and friends. A very fitting
word of felicitation was sent by the First Presbyterian Church
of Dunn. Dr. Livingston Johnson, Editor of the Biblical
Recorder, Raleigh, N. C, spoke briefly in behalf of the
300,000 white Baptists of North Carolina."
"The sermon was perhaps the most impressive feature
of the service. Dr. W. J. McGlothlin, the President of
Furmain University, Greenville, S. C, delivered the dedica-
tory sermon. Few men in all America can present the Gospel
with greater clarity and power than this unusual preacher.
He chose as his subject "The significance of the Church
Building'. The text of Scripture used is in I Tim. 3:15 'The
51
House of God, which is the Church of the Living God, The
Pillar and Ground of the Truth'."
Immediately following the sermon, Mr. J. C. Clifford
came forward and burned the last of the notes and mortgages
in the presence of the congregation. As the fire was burning
the last vestage of indebtedness on the Church, he spoke
most feelingly as follows: 'now as these the only visible
evidence of our indebtedness turn to ashes, we blot from our
memory the labor, hardship, self-denial, and privations
endured to make possible this day, and remember alone the
pleasure which has come to us in being accorded the joyous
privilege of making a few sacrifices for Him'."
"Following that was the dedicatory prayer offered by
Rev. J. A. Campbell, former pastor, and greatly beloved in
Harnett County. It was a precious and Holy moment as the
Church gave their beautiful Temple to their God."
In the early 1930's the Church began to realize once,
again that its Sunday School had grown so large and become
so active that the enlargement of physical facilities was an
absolute necessity if the Sunday School was to continue to
expand. These were the depression years and it took a lot of
grit, determination and faith to even seriously think of £ind
certainly to begin another building program.
Dr. E. Norfleet Gardner was pastor at this time
(sixteenth) and under his superb leadership, definite plans
developed and a major undertaking got underway. Part of the
October, 1934, Church Bulletin dated October 7, 1934, reads
as follows: "At an enthusiastic Church conference last
Wednesday blueprints for a proposed Church annex, to be
used as an educational building, were presented and
adopted. The sentiment of the people was to put up a
structure that would accommodate the crowds that overrun
the present Sunday School, and make it possible to reach out
for hundreds not enlisted in the teaching of the Church."
"The building committee for the annex is composed of:
Geo. T. Noel, M. M. Jemigan, George F. Pope, Dr. C. D.
Bain, W. P. Dickey, Mrs. CD. Bain, J. C. Jones, Herbert
B. Taylor, J. P. Morgan, and W. L. Aldredge."
The November, 1934, bulletin dated November 11, 1934,
also reads in part as follows: "were you present for the
breaking of the grounds for the educational building of our
Church Friday afternoon? We shall follow each week the
52
progress made in the erection of this building to the glory of
God and the training of our citizens in His word. Our Sunday
School Superintendent, Mack M. Jemigan, deserves much
credit for the initiation of this movement. George T. Neol is
Chairm£in of the Building Committee; and Herbert B. Taylor
of the Finance Committee. Under the leadership of these
men we sh£dl move forward unitedly towards the construction
of a beautiful and efficient place in which to teach and direct
the Ufe of our growing Church."
This Church annex is the three story sturcture connected
to the east side of the origined brick Church and extends to
the edley, officially known as "Church Alley" and is the seime
structure that was completely renovated in 1978. But that's
another story. Let's continue on with this one.
In the December, 1934, Church Bulletin dated December
8, 1934, there is the following: "We rejoice in the progress
made in the annex these last weeks. On 'Thanksgiving Day'
(November 22, 1934) after we had observed the custom of
worship at the sunrise hour, we ledd the cornerstone given by
Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Duncan. Today the weJls are far
advanced on the second story of the building."
"At the laying of the cornerstone the following articles
were placed within and seeded: a copy of the New Testament,
put there by the Superintendent of the Bible School, M. M.
Jemigan; copies of the "Charity and Children", "Bibhcal
Recorder", "Home and Foreign Fields" £ind the W.M.U.
Year Book of the First Baptist Church; copies of the "Dunn
Dispatch", "Daily Bulletin" and "Dunn Scout Booster";
Church monthly bulletins for January and November, 1934;
Sunday School record for last Sunday; copy of some of the
correspondence from Dr. Charles E. Maddry, Executive
SecretEiry of the Foreign Mission Bo£ird, to the pastor relative
to his becoming Superintendent of the Italian-Spanish
Mission of Southern Baptists, photographs of a class of
intermediate girls with their teacher, Mrs. C. L. Guy, £ihd of
the pastor."
A new boiler for the Church heating plant was purchased
of sufficient size to heat both the original Church and the
new annex at a cost of $575.17 but was not to be delivered
imtil Friday, January 18, 1935. Because of no heat the
morning Church services for January 20, 1935, were h'^ld in
the high school building and the night services were called
off. The high school buUding at that time was where it is at
the present time in the 400 block of North Orange Avenue
and on the west side of said avenue.
53
The February 1937 Church Bulletin dated February 7,
1937, has additionfd information about the new annex, part of
which so reads: "This Sunday the lower floor has been
opened up for the use of the cradle roll, beginners and
primary departments. How happy we are over this accom-
plishment. Later we shall continue with certsdn needed
interior finishings but already we are able to use the entire
building."
We read in the Church Conference Minutes of March 17,
1937, that Mrs. C. L. Guy issued an invitation to attend her
Sunday School class house warming in the educationgJ
building on March 19, 1937, at 7:30 p.m. Therefore, by
February, 1937, use of the entire new annex building was a
reality and there was great joy in the hearts of all the Church
family.
Under the dedicated leadership, council and guidance of
the nineteenth pastor. Rev. Ernest P. Russell, the Church
membership began to reedize again that the Church would
need in the not too distant future to provide additional much
needed building space for the continued healthy and rapid
growth of its Sunday School. Accordingly, the Church
purchased a lot 140 ft. x 150 ft.,, known as the "Hood
property" for use as a future building site for an additional
educational annex. For a more complete description of this
property reference is made to Item Twelve, Chapter II, of
this work.
At the time of purchase there was on this lot a spacious
two-story dwelling in rather poor condition which was the
former home of the "Hood family". Until in the future when
this building needed to be dismantled for the purpose of
erecting the additional annex, it was decided to temporarily
occupy this dwelling with part of the Simday School. After
some very preliminary renovations, departments one and two
were moved into this dweUing on August 5, 1956.
In the summer of 1962 the First Presbyterian Church of
Dunn moved into their beautiful new building at 901 North
Park Avenue £ind that left vacant their old building on the
comer of West Ciunberleind Street euid South Layton Avenue.
The First Presbyteriain Church, over the years, has gJways
been most cooperative with the First Baptist Church, and so
in a regular conference of the First Baptist Church on
October 18, 1962, there is found in the minutes of that
meeting the following: "Earl Jones was recognized and
advised that he had consulted with the Presbyterian
54
authorities and that the old educational plant was available to
our Church for the cost of paying the insurance and the
utilities. The Presbyterigins will want written agreement if we
accept their offer. Motion by Mgix McLeod seconded by L. L.
Coats that we begin using this facihty at the earhest possible
date. Motion carried."
Following this action we find in the Church Builder of
October 30, 1962, an announcement that Adult Departments I
& n will meet on Sunday November 4, 1962, in the Old
Presbyterifin Church building and that beginning Simday
November 11, 1962, these departments will have both their
assemblies £ind classes in these quarters. Counting back, we
find that these two departments met in the Hood building for
six years and approximately three months.
Now that the Hood building had become vacant we find
in the minutes of the regular Church conference on February
14, 1963, the following motion: "that the Church trustees
sell, for the Church, the Hood building to Willard Mixon T/A
Pope and Mixon, for the sum of $375.00 cash. That Mr.
Mixon is to remove the building by June 1, 1963 ~ that if he
fails to have it moved by this date he is to forfeit any peut of
the building which remsdns on the Church lot. Motion
carried."
Dr. Thomas Moten Freeman accepted the pastorate of
this Church effective April 15, 1962. Since that time, under
his dedicated and highly skilled leadership and with the
enthusiastic following of the Congregation, one new building
has been constructed and three very major renovations of
existing buildings have been completed and another renova-
tion program is in progress.
In the Church Builder dated October 8, 1963, there is
this statement "Last Sunday (October 6, 1963) we made a
decision to build an educationed unit on the Hood lot." In the
Chiu-ch builder of April 14, 1964, this statement appeeirs:
"Our Church adopts plans for the new building last
Sunday." (April 12, 1964)
In the Builder of May 12, 1964, this appears: "In a
called meeting last Sunday (May 10, 1964) our Church voted
to adopt the program presented by the Building Fingmce
Committee. It involves the effort to reiise $200,000.00 during
the next five years or $40,000.00 a year. The membership
will be canvassed by May 31st and everyone will be asked to
55
make a pledge. We have prayed and planned, now we must
add our contributions in cash."
On July 14, 1964, the Building Committee said: "We are
proposing that we give priority to the adult classrooms that
will be built under the auditorium and that we try to get
them completed in time to move our adults from the annex
into the new rooms by October 1st." About July 21, 1964, in
reference to the lower auditorium, the building committee
upon the advice of the architect, John Jeimes Croft, Jr.,
recommended that the Church employ Keith Finch, of Merit
Construction Company, to do this work on a time eind
materigJs basis. This project is estimated to cost $40,000.00.
On Sunday, July 26, 1964, the Church in conference adopted
this recommendation and soon construction began. This
project was completed the latter part of November, 1964, £uid
a statement in the Church Builder dated December 1, 1964,
says: "WE'RE IN AT LAST!" We have moved from the old
Presbyterian building into the renovated basement of our
auditorium." Dep2utments I & 11 of our Sunday School were
at last back home in permanent quarters after eight years
and approximately four months.
On Sunday, August 30, 1964, after the morning worship
service the Church was called into conference and by
unanimous vote authorized the building committee to enter a
contract with the D. R. Allen & Son Construction Company to
erect the new educational building on the Hood lot. The
contract price was $135,500.00. Construction began about two
weeks later and continued at a normsd rate.
In the Church Builder of June 22, 1965, there is this
statement: "THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERAl " The
cutting of the ribbon last Sunday morning (Jime 20, 1965)
and the opening of our new educationed building marked the
beginning of a new era. This is the first new building for our
Bible teaching program since 1934." In the Church confer-
ence on August 11, 1965, the minutes record that Mr. S. D.
Whittington, Chairmsui of the Building Committee, advised
that the new educational building had been turned over and
accepted by the Church as of August 11, 1965. Another"
building program had been brought to a successful conclu-
sion.
In 1967, another big renovation project was begun. On
Sunday, August 27, 1967, the Church by unanimous vote
decided to renovate the Sancturay. This would consist of:
56
(1) having the pews removed, repaired, refinished
and reinstalled
(2) having the Sanctuary repainted
(3) have new carpet installed in the Sanctuary,
choir, vestibule, and entrsinces to the auditorium
Request was also made to study the Sanctu£iry hghting
system. The Church was informed at this time that the pews
were scheduled to be removed on Monday, September 4, and
that they would be out for about thirty days.
The following Sunday, September 3, 1967, discussion
was entered into as to whether, during renovation, worship
services should be held in the high school auditorium or to
use the Church lower auditorium. To use the lower
auditorium would require two identicEil services... one at 8:30
a.m. £ind one at 11:00 a.m., because the congregation could
not all be seated at once. Pastor Tom Freeman agreed to
conduct the two services and the Church voted to use the
lower auditoriimi in preference to the high school. At this
same conference it accepted an offer of $1,000.00 to replace
the auditoriimi hghts.
In the Church Builder for October 10, 1967, it was
announced that the carpet supplier was behind schedule and
that the next scheduled dehvery date was November 1, 1967.
This, of course, delayed delivery of the pews and prolonged
the necessity for having two worship services each Sunday.
On Tuesday, November 21, 1967, it was announced that:
"Our annued Thanksgiving service is planned for 7:00 a.m.
on Thursday morning in the Church Sanctueuy. The Fairview
Church Furniture Co. will try to have the pews in the main
floor for our use then." Thus the Sanctuary was used on
November 23, 1967, for the first time since September 3,
1967. This projects actual cost was $12,191.16, plus the hghts
for which $2,000.00 was contributed."
About ten years passed before another (the biggest)
renovation project beg£in. For more than twenty yesirs serious
consideration had been given to completely renovate the
educational plant which was built in 1934. An architect was
employed and his floor plans for renovation of the old
education unit was distributed to each Church family,
beginning Sunday, July 10, 1977, for their study and
consideration and these plans were approved by the Church
on August 14, 1977.
57
On December 4, 1977, the Church voted to enter into a
remodeling program of the old education imit which was
expected to take from seven to nine months. Keith Finch T/A
Merit Construction Co., was employed on a time and material
basis and work began during this month of December. This
project consisted of removing the entire inside of the
building, leaving only the outside walls and the roof, and
completely rebuild the entire three floors. It also included
reworking the two classrooms behind the choir to include a
secretary's office plus work room, a pastor's study and a
conference room.
Work proceeded with dispatch and with excellent skiU
and attention to detail. On October 4, 1978, it was aimounced
that October 15 would be "Occupation Day" for this
renovated beautiful building and it actually occurred on that
date. Once more another building program had been brought
to a successful conclusion. The total cost was $274,202.18.
On Sunday, November 26, 1978, after the morning
worship service the congregation gathered outside the
Church to witness the removed of the cornerstone laid on
Thanksgiving morning, November 22, 1934, a period of
16,075 days. Contents of the stone as previously listed in this
chapter were observed. The following Sunday December 3,
1978, the congregation again gathered outside the Church
after the morning worship service to witness the ceremony of
laying the new cornerstone. All the artifacts that came out of
the 1934 stone plus the new materials hsted below were
placed in a comer box, seEiled airtight and watertight, and
placed in the new stone:
A Good News New Testament
The Biblical Recorder Paper
Cheirity and Children Paper
The Dunn Dsiily Record
The Pastor's Sermon for that day
The Thanksgiving Program, November 23, 1978
Two Sunday Worship Programs
Directory of Church Officers
Directory of Sunday School Workers
Names of Resident Church Members
Copies of First Baptist Builder
Visitation Folder
Visitor Welcome Card
Copy of 75th Anniversary Program
Copy of Church Budget
Copy of Financial Report for October, 1978
58
A Church Yearbook for 1940
Copies of Sunday School Paper
List of Building Planning Committee
Convention and Dorcas Sunday School Class Rolls
Beginner Certificate for 1912
Promotion Certificate for 1923
Copy of Stewardship Letter
Pictures of the ceremonies of both the removing the old stone
and the laying of the new stone plus separate pictures of
each item both old and new that were placed in the new
stone have been arranged in a photograph album and
presently is in the pastor's study for anyone who so desires
to see.
This Church has owned two p£a"sonages. The first one
was purchased, already built, and first occupied in j£inu£iry
1922, by the family of Pastor Elbert N. Johnson. It was also
the home of the famiHes of E. Norfleet Gardner, Thomas W.
Fryer and lastly by the family of S. Lewis Morgan, Jr. This
parsonage was sold in August, 1946, before the present
p£u-sonage was built. Soon thereafter the S. Lewis Morgan,
Jr., family moved from the first parsonage to 304 North
Orange Avenue and Uved there until the present parsonage
was completed. Therefore, the Morgans were the last pastor
family to occupy the first parsonage £ind the first family to
occupy the present parsonage.
At a conference of this Church in August of 1947 a
parsonage building program was authorized. A building
committee was appointed consisting of Eeirl McD. Westbrook,
Chairman, Paul L. Strickland, W. P. Dickey, W. M. Brsumon,
Mrs. C. T. Latimer, Mrs. C. L. Corbett and Mrs. Ray
Horrell. On October 29, 1947, there was a letter sent out
from the building committee to all members of the Church.
Part of this letter is quoted: "As plans have reached the
'building' stage on the new pEirsonage, your committee would
like to acquaint every member of the Church with the
important facts in this project." "(1) A church in building a
parsonage must build it large enough for any pastor's family
that might ever live in it and substantial enough so that it
would need few repgiirs during the next 50 years. A httle
more money spent for best materials now will save
thousands of dollars over the 50 year period."
"(2) Our committee felt that in arriving at blueprint
specifications we would not be satisfied to represent you
without securing the technical advice of a good architect. We
59
feel more certain of our plans as we begin to buUd, because
our eirchitect is one of the best obtainable."
"(3) The house is to contEiin four bedrooms, two size 13 x 13
and two size 13 x 15, one living room 13 x 22, dining room 13
X 15, kitchen 13 x 13, a pastor's study 13 x 13, one
downstairs bathroom and two upstairs bathrooms in conjunct-
ion with the three upstairs bedrooms, a garage and a laundry
room."
Soon after this letter of October 29, 1947, Turlington and
Turlington, LTD., Lillington, N, C, was selected as the
builder. Work began and continued skillfully with dispatch
and with close attention to detail. In August, 1948,
construction was complete and the Rev. S. Lewis Morgem,
Jr., famUy were the first proud occupants of this beautiful
and functional home.
Very soon now the Church will begin another major
project of repairing the inside walls and redecorating the
Sanctuary. The Church in conference has officiedly aJready
authorized it and the funds are already in hand. Great things
have been accompHshed and will continue to be accomphshed
so long as it continues to have the competent leadership and
the enthusiastic cooperation of its members that has
prevailed for the past ninety-six years.
First Baptist Church
60
First
Baptist
Church
[Front View]
1916
or
1917
^
Dunn
Baptist
Church
[Wooden]
Picture
taken
in
1893
Wooden
Church
1900
After
Painting
Forground
"Hood
Home"
Paul
Hood
Riding
Bicycle
Age 7
First Parsonage - January 1922 - August 1946
Present Parsonage
62
Ci|tarcl|ES Formed %
first Ikipnst (Eifurcli
63
Creating new missions and later orgginizing new Church-
es whenever and wherever there is a genuine established
need is a good index of the "Missionary Thrust" of a
Church. This has been one commitment of the First Baptist
Church, Dunn, N. C, over the yesirs. This Church has
orgEinized five MissionEuy Baptist Churches in the conmiunity
and at present has one mission under its wing.
SOUTH DUNN BAPTIST CHURCH
Sometime in 1908 or the early part of 1909, this Church
began a "mission" in the southern Eirea of Dunn. Later from
this mission a Church was org£inized known as "South Dunn
Baptist Church". The organization of the "South Dunn
Baptist Church" caused the Dunn Baptist Church to change
its name to First Baptist Church of Dunn.
On May 8, 1909, the mother Church purchased a lot
from Mr. & Mrs. P. T. Massengill situated on the comer of
South MagnoUa Avenue and East Duke Street and erected a
frame Church house for use of the newly organized Church
(see real estate transaction numbers three, six and seven,
Chapter 11). The Sunday School for this Church for a period
was held on Sunday afternoons. Some of the young people
would go to the First Baptist Church Sunday School in the
mornings and to Sunday School at the South Dunn Baptist
Church in the afternoons.
At an annu£d meeting of the Little River Association held
November 2. 3, 4 and 5, 1911, meeting at the Coats Baptist
Church, the South Dunn Baptist sent delegates. They were J.
F. Cannady, C. P. Layton and J. H. Beasley. On November
2, 1911, a petition from the South Dunn Baptist Church was
read requesting membership in this association. On motion
the Church was received and the delegates were givep the
right hand of welcome. The pastor of the South Dunn Church
at that time was T. J. Hood, Goldsboro, N. C, and the
Church Clerk was J. H. Beasley.
At the association emnual meeting on October 31,
November 1, 2, and 3, 1912, South Dunn Church was
represented by letter. The pastor then was also T. J. Hood,
Goldsboro, N. C, and the Church Clerk was J. H. Beasley.
At the 1913 association annual meeting, the delegate was
John Tart, the pastor was G. A. Bain, Buies Creek, N. C,
and the Clerk was W. B. Warren. Delegates in 1914 were C.
P. Layton and F. I. Houston. The pastor was G. A. Bain and
the Clerk was C. P. Layton. In 1915 the delegates were W.
B. Warren £uid C. P. Layton. The pastor was G, A. Bam and
64
the Clerk was C. P. Layton. In 1916 the Church was not
represented by delegates or letter but the pastor was still G.
A. BEiin, Buies Creek, N. C, and the Clerk was James
Houston.
In the Little River Association annual minutes for 1917
the South Durm Baptist Church was not listed in the roll or
Churches nor in any subsequent annual minutes.
It is not known when the South Dunn Baptist Church
disbanded. However, the First Baptist Church of Dunn on
March 30, 1923, sold the lot and Church house that had been
used by South Dunn Baptist Church to Mrs. Cassie Hodges.
(See again Items Three, Six and Seven in Chapter 11).
Second Baptist Church
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH
In the latter part of 1941, Dr. Thomas W. Fryer, pastor
of the First Baptist Church of Dunn and many members of
the Church realized a need for a mission Sunday School in
that section of Dunn then known as "Enterprise". A survey
was made and the realization was confirmed. In 1942 an old
store building owned by Mrs. Susan E. Tart was obtained
free of charge as a place for meeting. This store building was
located on "old 421" highway just beyond the Tart Lumber
Mill and Cotton Gin in the section known as the "White
Line". The building was torn down several years ago.
65
A mission Sunday School was organized in 1942 and Mr.
M. B. Faircloth of the First Baptist Church was selected as
the first Sunday School Superintendent. Supply preaching
was done by Dr. Thomas W. Fryer, by S. Lewis Morgan, who
followed Dr. Fryer as pastor of the mother Church £ind others
until the mission was organized into a regular Church.
On Sunday, August 6, 1944, a Presbytery or organizing
council was formed with Rev. S. Lewis Morgan, Jr.,
presiding and the Second Baptist Church was formedly
constituted. Those elected at this meeting to serve as officers
of the new Church were Rev. E. C. Keller, pastor, M. B.
Fgdrcloth and B. O. Slaughter, Deacons, and Mrs. R. B.
(Louise) Wright, Church Clerk.
Seventeen people constituted the charter membership of
the new Church. They were Mr. & Mrs. E. M. Slaughter,
Mr. & Mrs. B. O. Slaughter, Mrs. R. B. Wright, Mrs. Verdia
Creech, Annie June Creech, Mzirgie Creech, Rev. & Mrs. E.
C. Keller, Mary Alice Keller, George Bums, Mr. & Mrs.
Derwood Godwin, Marvin Slaughter, Jr., M. B. Faircloth and
Mrs. J. Wedter McLamb.
The newly formed Church continued to meet in the store
buUding until their Sunday School department building could
be completed. On November 2, 1945, the site on which the
Church now stands was purchased from Romie Goodman for
$3,500.00. This property was known as the "Isaac W. Taylor
property". $750.00 of the purchase price was donated by the
N. C. State Mission Board. The remaining $2,750.00 was
borrowed and Dr. C. D. Bain and Herbert B. Taylor from the
mother Church endorsed the note. In a Church conference on
Friday, August 22, 1947, decision was made to begin
construction and work soon began.
The Second Baptist Church is strong and active and the
First Baptist Church is very proud of its first sustaining
daughter.
66
North Clinton Avenue Baptist Church
NORTH CLINTON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
For a number of years prior to 1952, Mr. Ernest P.
Russell, Pastor, and the First Baptist Church of Dunn had
been looking toward the northeast section of Dunn with the
idea of beginning a brguich Sunday School in that area. A
survey was made as of September 30, 1961, and it was found
that there were at least 109 good prospects for Sunday School
available. A search began for a building to begin a mission
Simday School. It was found that Mr. Joseph Norris had a
small building available at 502 North Clinton Avenue and so
the First Baptist Church rented it in which to begin the
Sunday School. Plans were finalized, a date set and handbills
were printed and circulated. The handbill read:
The First Baptist Church
Dunn, N. C.
is opening a
Branch Sunday School
at 502 North Clinton Avenue
February 17, 1952
at 9:30 A. M.
You Eu-e cordially invited to attend. Let us think
on what God's word says:
Psalms 122, Verse 1 - I was glad when they said
unto me let us go into the house of the Lord.
The branch Sunday began £ind expanded until Mr. Norris
saw a need for additional space and added an additional
room to his building for another Sunday School class. The
67
Sunday School continued to grow and the First Baptist
Church being aware of additional space requirements
purchased a lot described in a deed dated March 30, 1953,
located at 507 North Clinton Avenue and built what is now
the educationeJ unit of the North Clinton Avenue Baptist
Church for use by this branch Sunday School. When they
moved from the Norris building to their new home they were,
of course, very happy and some expressed it by saying: "We
are really "up town" now."
The Sunday School added a morning worship service and
Mr. William Davenport was selected to be the first pastor of
the mission. Upon the resignation of Mr. Davenport, Earl
Davis Fsirthing, a student at Weike Forest College, became
the pastor. Upon the resignation of Earl Davis Farthing,
Joseph Creech became the Mission Pastor.
The branch Sunday School requested that the First
Baptist Church, through their pastor, Ernest P. Russell, to
obtain an organizational council. This was done and the
minutes of this council Eire copied below in its entirety:
8 June 1958
2:30 P.M.
The Organization of the North Clinton Avenue Baptist Church
Minutes of the Organization Council
Rev. Ernest P. Russell stated the purpose of the organiza-
tional council. The council was organized as follows:
Mr. W. E. Cobb, Moderator W. Earl Jones, Clerk
Members from the First Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C. - Billy
Hodges, Wiley Oakley, E. P. Russell, J. A. McLeod, 0.0.
Manning, CD. Bain, Geo. Britton, Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Denny,
Mrs. Archie Bums, Mrs. Wade Brannon. From Buies Creek
Baptist Church - Julius HoUoway, Associational Missionsiry,
Robert Currin and Leon E. Davis. From Goldsboro Baptist
Church - Hermem Hodges.
Joseph Creech read the request and resolution hereto
attached to these minutes. There being no further questions
a motion was made by E. P. RusseU and seconded by Jeff
Denny that we proceed with the organization. Motion carried.
Rev. Joseph Creech was then officially csJled to be the first
pastor of the North Clinton Avenue Baptist Church, Dirnn, N.
C. Mr. Creech accepted the call and was unanimously
elected.
The remainder of the attached document was then read by
severEd members of the new Church in its entirety.
68
It was agreed that members coming into the Church by July
1, 1958, will be considered charter members.
Julius Holloway then made remarks welcoming the new
Church into the Little River Association.
Respectfully submitted,
W. E. Cobb, Moderator W. Earl Jones, Clerk"
In a deed dated August 15, 1960, the First Baptist
Church deeded to the North CHnton Avenue Baptist Church
the lot at 507 North Clinton Avenue on which the educational
building was located and described in more detail in Chapter
Two, Items Eleven and Fourteen of these writings. This
Church was then on its way and is making an excellent
contribution to the religious life of the community.
Westfield Baptist Church
WESTFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH
Under the leadership of Dr. Tom M. Freeman, pastor of
the First Baptist Church and the support of mamy of its
members a survey was made and it was determined that
there was good potential for a Church in the northwest
section of the Dunn area. A meeting place was obtained for
the proposed mission in the Dunn Youth Center at 901 West
Broad Street. This was the former home of Mr. & Mrs. Mack
M. Jemigan.
69
On Sunday, October 6, 1963, a mission was organized.
There were twenty present for this organizational meeting
including one visitor. At first the mission had only Sunday
School £md prayer meeting services. They met with the First
Baptist Church for the morning and evening worship services
and held their prayer meetings on Thursday nights so as not
to conflict with the mother Church.
On Wednesday night, October 16, 1963, the First Baptist
Church in conference recommended that Westfield Mission
set up a building fund and voted a gift of $1,000.00 to start
this fund. This fund grew very rapidly as evidenced by the
speed with which it started its first building program.
Seeing a need for a permanent location for the Westfield
Mission, should it be constituted a Church, Mr. Walter H.
Adams, unmarried, executed a "deed of gift" dated
November 1, 1963, to First Baptist Church a tract of land
consisting of 6.89 acres located on Old Coats Road for use as
building site for "Westfield". After Westfield Baptist Church
was constituted the mother Church deeded on July 22, 1964,
to the Westfield Baptist Church this S£une tract of land. (See
Items Fifteen, Sixteen and Seventeqn - Chapter 11).
Morning worship services began on January 5, 1964. Mr.
Bobby Barefoot, Senior Ministerial Student, was called and
served as the first "Mission" Pastor on a part-time basis.
Upon the resignation of Rev. Barefoot, the Church called in
September, 1965, Rev. Roger Patterson to be its first
full-time pastor.
The Mission was constituted "Westfield Baptist Church"
on June 28, 1964, with 41 charter members and 6 candidates
for Baptism. Dr. Casper C. Warren preached the sermon on
that day. At the time the Church was formed the Sunday
School had and enrollment of 100 members.
The first building program of this Church began in the
eEirly fall of 1964 and they moved from the Dunn Youth
Center into this new building in November, 1964. This first
building still stands behind the present Church building near
the back of the lot and remained their meeting place from
November, 1964, until they moved into their present Church
building in February, 1967.
70
^,f9^^''«»'^ ^-
Faith Baptist Church
FAITH BAPTIST CHURCH
The officials of the Little River Baptist Association £ind
the Johnston Baptist Association jointly appeared to see a
need for a Baptist Mission in the Mary Stewart community
on U. S. Highway 301 north of Dunn, N. C. A joint survey
committee was formed and first met on April 11, 1970, at the
"Gladys Restaurant" near Mary Stewart School. Members of
this committee were: Rev. Thomas M. Freeman, Pastor, First
Baptist Church of Dunn; Rev. Harold Mitchell, Pastor,
Benson Baptist Church; Rev. Everett Marion, Moderator of
the Little River Association; Mr. C. Blake Thomas, Moderat-
or of the Johnston Association; Rev. JuUus Holloway,
Missionary of Little River Association; Rev. R. E. Moore,
Missionary of Johnston Association; Mr. Oliver O. Mgrnning
from First Baptist Church of Dunn and Mr. Jonah Caudle, a
local layman.
The community survey that followed indicated a very
favorable and promising situation. A small dwelling house
owned by Mrs. Letha Dunn, Benson, N. C, was secured as a
meeting place for the mission. Mrs. Dunn gladly loaned it
rent free. The name of the Mission agreed upon was
"Johnston-Harnett Mission"
A Sunday School was formed and met for the first time
on June 21, 1970. It was finally decided at this meeting to
conduct a vacation Bible school under the joint effort of the
71
Benson Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Dunn.
The school was held beginning Monday, June 22, and
continued through Saturday, June 27, 1970, and proved very
successful. Attendance at Sunday School on June 28, 1970,
was 23 and the collection was $66.09. Worship service also
began this same day and the first mission pastor was Rev.
George Ware.
Sunday School Eind worship service continued regularly
and the growth pattern was encouraging. On May 30, 1972, it
was decided to change the mission name to "Faith Baptist
Mission".
A building fund was commenced as a means for
purchasing a site £md constructing a building. A site was
purchased for $10,000.00 consisting of 3.9 acres from Mr. &
Mrs. Floyd L. Altmam and Mr. Altman presented the deed to
the mission on October 29, 1972. A dedication of the lot was
held the same day at the lemd site led by Rev. Juliusi
Holloway, Superintendent of Missions Little River Associa-
tion.
After the land had been fully paid for, ground breaking
for a new building was held on June 24, 1973. The ceremony
was led by Rev. JuHus Holloway, assisted by Dr. Thomas M.
Freeman, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Dunn and Rev. Don
Price, Pastor of Benson Baptist Church. There was thirty-two
people in attendance. Mr. Gordon Smith was employed as
building contractor and construction began immediately. The
new building is 80 ft. x 36 ft. and contains a sanctuary with
choir area and Baptistry, seven Sunday school rooms, nursery
and kitchen.
The first worship service held in the new building was
on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1973. The building was
not complete and some of the outside doors had not been
hung. Rev. Julius Hollowell was pastor. Dedication of the
new building occurred on November 10, 1974. The last
$6,000.00 note was later paid off and the ceremony of
burning the notes took place on October 19, 1975. Total cost
of both the land and building amounted to $89,937.15.
A Presbytery or advisory council consisting of Rev. Jefrie
Davis, Dr. Thomas M. Freeman, Rev. Julius Holloway and
others was formed at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 21, 1979,
and the Church was regularly constituted under the nemie of
"Faith Baptist Church". The Church is growing and
72
prospering. Consideration is being given to building a
fellowship hall. The First Baptist Church of Dunn is very
proud of its youngest daughter.
THE CRESTVIEW BAPTIST MISSION
The idea of a Baptist Mission began with several people
living in the area of Spiveys Comer in Sampson County on
Highway 421 about eleven miles south of Dunn, N. C. As a
result during the summer of 1962 Rev. Gary Long, Pastor of
Spring Branch Baptist Church conducted a tent revival in this
area which stimulated additional interest. Mission Commit-
tees from the First Baptist Church of Dunn and Spring
Branch Church jointly discussed the need for a missionary
Baptist Mission in the area.
In the winter of 1963-1964 neighborhood prayer meetings
began to meet on Thursday nights in one of the homes of the
community. The name "Crestview" was decided at these
prayer meetings. A building fund was also started in an
effort to select a site and construct a building for a meeting
place for the prayer meetings and to organize a Sunday
School. The minutes of a Church conference of the First
Baptist Church of Dunn held December 18, 1963, include this
statement: "that we approve continuing efforts of the Church
Mission Committee to work with the Spring Branch Church in
trying to establish a mission Sunday school in the area of
Spiveys Comer on Highway 421 East and that we approve
the effort of the committee to secure a site and meeting
place."
Accordingly, a Board of Trustees was set up composed
of M. M. Jemigan, O. O. Manning, W. E. Cobb and Sam
Judge from First Baptist Church of Dunn and Thomas Henry
Hinson, Thad H. Dixon and Casper Phillips from Spring
Branch Baptist Church. A site was located and purchased on
the west side of Highway 421 at the junction of l>f. C.
Highway 242 about two miles north of Spiveys Comer. On
Sunday, May 15, 1966, ground was broken for the beginning
of a modest building program.
Over the years this mission has had its high peaks and
low dells but continues to function. Recently, another small
addition has been added to the original Sunday School unit.
In addition to Sunday School, morning worship services are
held on a regular basis. It is hoped that a growth pattern and
independent fingincial stability will be reached so that this
mission can be some day constituted into a regular
missionary Baptist Church.
73
74
Clraptfir IM
Hnrelateli iEuents
75
It appears fitting, especially in a Church history, that a
division in the writing should be set aside for events or
happenings that would not normally fall in any chapter
heading but could be classified as historical "goodies" or
maybe sometimes not so good and yet constitute history just
the same. Factual histories of einything are never all good or
all bad but in the aggregate make up the sum total of the
subject at hand.
The events in this chapter may not be necessarily in
chronologicsd order but will likely be recorded for the most
part as patient and persistant digging bring them to "light".
It may be said by some after reading this chapter: "What a
conglomerate of unrelated events!"
First Communion Set
On June 30, 1887, Rev. J. M. Beasley on behalf of his
devoted wife presented to the Dunn Baptist Church a silver
mounted communion set. The set consisted of a large silver
pitcher, two large silver goblets and two silver bread trays.
The container in which they were stored when not in use was
a portable mahogEiny cabinet closely resembling a little
house. The cabinet has been sometime through the yeairs lost
or destroyed.
Rev. and Mrs. J. M. Beasley were the parents of Mrs.
James Addison Taylor and the great grandparents of Mrs.
Emma Ann Taylor RuEirk. Rev. Beasley owned a leading
jewelry store in his home town of Fayetteville, North
76
Carolina. This is the same J. M. Beasley referred to in the
early part of Chapter I who organized "Antioch Baptist
Church" in Cumberland County, was instrumental in
building its first Church house and was the Church's first
pastor.
In later years when the Dunn Baptist Church purchased
a more modem communion set with individual cups, the
Church voted to give the original set to Mrs. James Addison
Taylor, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Beasley. This original set
has been passed down from generation to generation until
now it is in the proud possession of Mrs. Enmia Ann Taylor
Ru£irk.
The following quote is taken from the minutes of a
regular Church conference of this Church on June 11, 1891:
"The Church adopted a constitution, rules of decorum and
by-laws - which see in printed pamphlet." The few Church
records that are avEiilable to this writer do not show that this
action has been, before 1978, rescinded. However, copies of
these documents have not been found and this Church has
not governed itself by them for at least thirty-five years. This
is the second constitution. The first one was adopted. the day
the Church was organized on September 27, 1885. In a
regular Church conference on August 27, 1978, the third
constitution and by-laws was adopted which automaticedly
rescinded the ones of 1891 and govern the actions of the
Church presently. The present constitution £uid by-laws are
found in the appendix of this work.
From about 1891 and for meiny years thereafter the roll
of the Church was CEilled at every Church conference and
each absentee recorded. At some conferences members were
C£illed up for dancing, business transactions unbecoming a
Christian, cursing, drinking, etc. Reprimeuids were a common
practice and an occasioned expulsion was meted out in
extreme cases.
There is an Euticle printed in "The Little River Record"
Buies Creek Academy, Buies Creek, N. C, July, 1916,
Volume XVn, No. 9. The article was written by Mrs. E. A.
Harper and deals with some facts about the work of the
"Ladies Aid Society" of Dunn Baptist Church. Part of this
article reads thus: "In 1913 the Society decided to buy a pipe
orgEui for the new Church to cost $2,500.00, half of that
amount to be paid by Mr. Ceunegie."
77
"Through the kindness of Mr. J, L, Hatcher and Mr.
Jno. A. McKay we were given the use of a room on Main
Street which we used as an exchange, which we opened in
Meirch 1913. We divided our ladies into four groups, each
group having a ch£iirman, and working in turn one group
each Saturday. We reused $800.00 in a little more than a year
and on August 24, 1914, the pipe organ conmiittee, Mrs.
Hatcher, Mrs. Pittman, Mrs. HLnes and Mrs. Long, met in
Mr. Chfford's office and signed a note for $450.00 to meet
our obligation with the Estley Organ Company."
"On September 1, 1915, the same committee met in the
Church to receive the organ after it was installed. ' '
"On September 15, 1915, the last note was pedd
cemcelling the debt. Messrs. James A. Taylor, J. W.
Draughon, J. C. Clifford and G. F. Pope became endorsers
on these notes."
The chimes were not a part of the original organ. In 1946
the Richard Weuren feimily donated the set of chimes which
were made a part of the original organ and carried forward to
the new organ.
The following is found in the minutes of a Deacon's
Meeting held February 11, 1946. "Mr. S. L. Morgan
reported for cormnittee on chimes which met with Mr.
Stevens and his helpers. The contract was signed and chimes
are being made ready for installation". The minutes of a
Deacon's Meeting held April 16, 1946, bears this statement:
"Mr. Lewis Morgan reported that the chimes were ready for
installation." The dedication service for the chimes was held
on Sunday evening, July 28, 1946. Dr. Casper Warren
preached the dedicatory sermon. The dedication service
bulletin reads in part as follows: "The Wtirren Memorial
Chimes are presented in memory of Mr. & Mrs. R. M.
Weirren and daughter, Cora Weirren Denning, by their
family, Mrs. Mary Warren (H.T.) Stevens, Mrs. Marguerite
Warren (G. T., Jr.) Noel, Dr. Casper Warren, Mr. J. O.
Warren, Mr. Ralph N. Warren, Mr. Russell Warren, Mr. R.
L. Denning.
It was recognized by the music committee as early as
1956 that the Church org£in was due much needed repairs
and modernization. Under the capable leadership of the
nineteenth pastor, Rev. Ernest P. Russell, a fund raising
program was started which was most successful. Accordingly,
in the Church Conference of July 27, 1958, a contract was
78
authorized to make the needed repairs to electrify the console
and to move the console from the choir section to its present
location. The contract was awarded to J. Vernon Suitt,
Proprietor, Durham Orggin Service, R5, Box 421, Durham, N.
C, at a cost of $4,465.00. Repeiirs were begun in 1958 and
completed in 1959.
About sixteen or seventeen years after the organ had
been repcdred and remodeled it beg£in to badly deteriorate
and major repairs were determined not to be the answer. It
was, therefore, decided to begin a fund raising program Eind
monies begem to come in. Mr. Mack M. Jemiggm, realizing
that a new organ was needed now, on March 2, 1979,
presented to the First Baptist Church a check in the amount
of $50,000.00 to be used for the purchase of a new pipe
organ. In his letter to the Church in which the check was
enclosed he said in part: "I am giving this for the glory of
God and in loving honor of my wife, Sallie Naylor Jemigan,
who has been connected with the music of this Church for
more than 50 years."
Reasonably soon after receipt of the check a contract was
given to William Zimmer and Sons, Charlotte, North
Carolina, to design, build smd insteJl the organ. It required
approximately two years to build. The console and memy
pipes from the old organ were reworked and reused in the
new orgjm. The chimes were also reused. On January 12,
1981, the remainder of the old organ was dismantled and
work began on the empty chamber to prepare for its
reception of the new organ.
The new organ was first played for a morning worship
service on Meu-ch 15, 1981. This is a quote from the Church
Bulletin dated Mgirch 15, 1981: "Our new organ is being
used in our worship today for the first time". (Mrs. Taylor
Newton was the organist). Plans were made for a dedication
service which was held at the evening worship service on
Sunday, April 26, 1981. A most accompUshed organist, Mr.
Thomas E. Hawley, Jr., gave the org£m recital. It might be of
value here to say that Mr. Hawley grew up in £md under the
influence of this Church.
A segment of the htany of dedication is recorded here:
"in a spirit of humility, praise eind Thanksgiving, we come to
dedicate this organ. We £ire thankful to God for His
blessings. We are thankful to all who have prayed and
worked to make this day possible. We are thankful for the
fedth, love eind generosity of Mr. Mack M. Jemiggm, who has
79
given this organ to our Church, and to Mrs. SaUie Naylor
Jemigan, who inspired the gift and in whose honor it was
given, to the glory of God and for use in the praise £ind
worship of God."
«lcl
^l,f^
First Organ
The organ of 1915 and the one of 1981 were not the only
two organs the Church has owned. In March, 1907, the
"Ladies Aid Society" of the Church purchased an orgEin
through Dsirins Eatman at a cost of $75.49. This was an
organ that was pumped by the feet of the organist to provide
wind pressure while she played on the keyboard. When the
Church moved into the brick building in December, 1914, this
organ was moved into the new sanctuary and used until the
pipe organ was completed and accepted on September 1,
1915. The little organ was moved then into Sunday school
departments and continued in use until it gave out then
moved again into the basement furnace room.
Some years later after the organ was covered in coal
dust £ind soot it was decided to have a "Clean-Up Day". The
little org£in was about to find its last resting place on a trash
dump. For sentimented reasons, Mr. Herbert B. Taylor asked
for it and moved it to his insurance office downtown. There is
found a resting place again until about thirty years ago, Mr.
Taylor's daughter, Mrs. Emma Ann Ruark, developed the
idea that it could be converted by a competent cabinet maker
into a useful piece of furniture. Today it is a beautiful desk
£ind sits in a hallowed spot in the home of Mrs. Ruark,
80
It may be of interest to give a sidelight to this Httle
organ. Sometime between December, 1914, and September,
1915, when it was being used in the sanctuary of the brick
Church, while Mrs. James Addison Taylor, was playing it for
a regular worship service she had a very sudden and very
serious stroke from which she never fully recovered until her
death on February 2, 1933.
The December Church Bulletin dated December 6, 1931,
has the following statement under "Items of Interest":
"At the November conference of the Church the
following resolution, which had been on the table for two
months, was taken up and passed unanimously. RESOLU-
TION ON CHURCH MEMBERS WHO FORSAKE THE
ASSEMBLING OF THEMSELVES TOGETHER. Inasmuch as
we Eire warned in God's word against forsaking the assembl-
ing of ourselves together; £ind inasmuch as in our covenant
we pledged to support the services of the Church by our
presence; and inasmuch as it is sadly that some utterly
ignore this important claim of the Church, we, the members
of the First Baptist Church of Dunn, in conference assembled
November 4, 1931, resolve that if a resident, physically well
member absents himself for an entire year from all services,
he shall be cited by the Deacons to appear before the Church
in its January conference to give reason for his absence. In
the failure of said member to furnish proper excuse, his
name shall be dropped from the roll of the Church, the
grounds for his expulsion being indifference to the work of
the Kingdom in the local Church."
AU organizations £ind especially Churches have their very
high peaks and very low dells. This Church is no exception.
The purposes this writer has for including and recording this
segment is, first it is a part of this Church history and second
to demonstrate that regardless of how low a group of
believers who trust in the Divine will and purpose of God,
the power of prayer, the recognition of human misgivings
and a determination to strive together for His Divine Glory
can go and still obteiin victory and spiritually profit thereby
not only as an individual but as a corporate body in Christ.
This lowest point came between the fall of 1914 and the
mid-summer of 1917. Fright, extremely low morale, fingincial
distress and human bickering possessed the congregation
during that period. World War I began in Europe about the
time that the brick Church was stEirted £uid that in itself was
most upsetting. The April 1922 Bulletin reads in part as
' 81
follows: "Our Church home which we now dedicate to God
was begun in 1913, following a resolution of our Church
timidly passed that we undertake the erection of a new
building costing approximately $15,000.00."
"Accordingly an Eirchitect was employed, plans were
adopted and work begun with a little faith, no cash and a
subscription list of about $12,000.00. Of course, we knew that
the plan adopted could not be carried to completion for the
amount limited in the initial resolution, but if our eyes had
been opened to the fact that we were beginning the erection
of a building that would cost us $45,000.00, I am sure we
should have failed completely; yet, though I cannot tell how
it was done, that is the sum which we finally placed in the
building."
"Perhaps the most trying ordeal through which we
passed, was the fright which we had to overcome when our
building was half done and our debt hardly touched, the
storm of the World V/ar closed all markets, paralyzed credits,
tested our faith and cheJlenged our courage as nothing else
had done."
The pastor, Rev. James Long, who began his ministry in
this Church on FebruEiry 1, 1912, £ind who resigned in
November, 1914, was here during the planning and
construction, left this pastorate just one month before any
part of the new Church was occupied. It is recorded in some
writings other than Church records that Rev. Long resigned
£ind left under extreme pressure and declared that he would
never set foot in any part of the completed and occupied
building.
Following the resignation of Rev. James Long, the
Church extended a call to Dr. W. R. Cullom, who was pastor
immediately prior to Rev. Long. Dr. Cullom declined the
pastorial call but obligated himself to preach two Sundays per
month and to assume the responsibility of getting someone
else to preach the other two Sundays until a pastor could be
obtained.
About a year after Dr. Cullom began this interim
pastorate he realized an immediate urgent need for some
outside financial assistance and, therefore, he personally
circulated Eimong more thain one hundred of his friends and
acquaintances a "Statement and A Request" which is quoted
in its entirety:
82
"A STATEMENT AND A REQUEST"
"Something over a year ago the First Baptist Church of
Dunn, N. C, asked me to supply their pulpit for a while and
try and help them out of a trying situation. Their situation
was this: About two years before that time they voted to
build a house of worship that should cost $15,000.00 and
certainly not more than $20,000.00 - Soon after the war broke
out in Europe they found themselves with a house that had
cost over $30,000.00 with a debt of about $18,000.00 on them
and the house still unfinished. I have not allowed myself to
be too criticEd as to who was responsible for this condition of
affairs. My purpose has been and is not to grumble at them
for being in this plight but to help them out of it."
"With financial conditions as they have been for the past
two yeeirs, many a Church in their circumstances would have
gone to pieces in a panic, they have held together remarkably
well. Their membership has increased by about fifty; their
Sunday School has grown quite a bit; they have a good
Senior and Junior B.Y.P.U.; they have put a new piemo into
their Sunday School, they have put new pews into the Church
at a cost of nearly $2,000.00, most of which has been paid;
8ind they reduced their debt by more than $6,000.00. This
Church has a fine body of young people in it, £ind with
proper care should soon become one of the stronger
Churches of the State."
"Three tasks are pressing heavily upon them for the
coming fall. They are these: (1) Between five £ind six thousand
dollars on their debt will be due before Christmas; (2) a
heating plant is an indispensable necessity if their beautiful
building is to be taken care of; (3) the basement should by all
means be finished up both because the Sunday School is
suffering for more room, and because this would enable them
to save the new pews in a way that will otherwise be
impossible."
"They have never gone to the outside world for help nor
are they going to do so in any general way. We are hoping
that we can get one hundred of our friends to join the pastor
in giving $10.0Q each for putting in the heating plant which it
is estimated to cost about $1,000.00. If the other ninety-eight
are secured, may I draw on you on October 1st for this
amount? If I can bring this to pass for them I believe they
can arrange to manage the balance themselves. But they do
have just a Httle more for this fall then they can get through
83
with without a Httle outside help. Please think and pray over
the matter and let me hear from you as soon as you can."
W. R. Cullom, Acting Pastor
Wake Forest, N. C.
The new pews were contracted for about a year before I
began my supply work.
W.R.C.
Dr. Cullom secured the services of Dr. Balus Cabe and
together these two Godly men supplied as interim pastors
and led the faithful flock from November, 1914, until June,
1917, through clouds of doubt, fear and frustration to see the
light and sunshine of a new day.
The next regular pastor was Rev. John A. EUis who
served from July 1, 1917, until January 27, 1918, and
resigned to enter the service of his country during the latter
part of World War I as a ChaplEiin in the U. S. Army. The
next pastor was Rev. Eugene I. Oliver, who came on June 2,
1918, and remained until June, 1921. The Church had
recovered amd was on to greater service. Somehow and in
some way the total debt was liquidated in a period of less
than eight years and the notes were burned on April 2, 1922,
SOME SAY A MIRACLE WAS WORKED"
The first known Church monthly bulletin was printed and
distributed on October 6, 1918. Rev. Eugene I. Olive, who
was single at that time and who later married the choir
director. Miss Ina Pearson on June 29, 1926, was pastor. It
records the Church officers and the Board of Deacons. There
is also Usted the names of men from this Church who were at
that time in military service during World War I. Regular
services of the Church with dates and hour of meeting for the
month of October, 1918, are noted. Among them were
Sunday School, morning worship, evening worship, prayer
meeting, Senior B.Y.P.U., Junior B.Y.P.U., Board of
Deacons, Church Conference, Communion Service, W.M.S.,
Ladies Aid Society, Sunbeams and Workers Conference.
Among the "Items of Interest" is an expression of
thanks from the bachelor pastor £ind because it is somewhat
of a human interest story, part of it is quoted: "When it was
known that he was to begin housekeeping, there fell upon
him at the hands of the ladies a bounteous shower. When he
was making ready to sit down at his own table, the Ladies
Aid presented him with more dishes thgin he had food to fill.
Shortly after the dishes had been tried, the men and the
84
women pounded him with more food than he had dishes to
contain. When the nights grew cool, the Y.W.A. handed him
a quilt with the promise of others as the temperature should
give rise to the need. All the favors you have shown make
him feel very unworthy. In deepest humility he resolved to
endeavor to show in unselfish service the gratitude his heart
feels."
In 1972, the Church bought a lot on which was located
two dwelling houses plus outbuildings, etc, known as the
"Poole property". Before this lot could be developed into
what is now an excellent recreation area, it was necessary to
dispose of these buildings and other attachments. An auction
sale was agreed upon. In the minutes of a Church Conference
held March 14, 1973, it is recorded that H. Paul Strickland
reported on the sale of the houses and equipment on the
Poole property and that the total amount of the sale was
$1,555.00.
In the 1860's or 1870's there was a water mill on Black
River near where the new sewage treatment plant has been
completed behind the present Betsy Johnson Memorial
Hospital. Flood waters developed on the river and washed
the mill away, leaving only a part of the frame of the mill
still standing. The dam deteriorated and soon also washed
away but the waters around this old mill site proved a good
place for a "swimming hole". The place became known as
"old frame" and was used as the First Baptismal site for the
newly formed Baptist Church. Due to the fact that "Gainey's
Bridge" on Black River downstream from "old frame" was
more accessible, the Baptismal site was changed to
"Gainey's Bridge". Later the Baptismal site was moved to
"Surles Pond", now known as "Hanna's Pond" and
remained there until the wooden Church was built which
included a Baptistry. It may be of interest to know that the
Baptistry in the wooden Church was under the floor where
the choir sat. When Baptisms took place, part of the choir
chairs were removed and the floor thrown open on hinges
Uke a double door, exposing the Baptistry.
Church budgets are in some measure a partial indication
of Church growth and for this reason some figures as to
budget size are listed:
Budget for 1935 - 1936 $ 7,000.00
for 1945 - 1946 $ 14,775.00
for 1950 - 1951 $ 23,637.20
for 1980 $145,000.00
for 1981 $165,100.00
85
In addition to the regular budget, special offerings were
made each ye£ir for the "Annie Armstrong Home Missions",
"Lottie Moon Foreign Missions", "State Missions", "Care
for the Aging", "Children's Home", "World Hunger", etc.
In the minutes of Diaconate held August 4, 1944, there
is a statement: "Recommendation to Church by Diaconate to
consolidate the Bo£ird of Deacons and also the Board of
Deconesses into one single board to be known as the
Diaconate, ajl of whom shall, for the sake of convenience, be
referred to as Deacons."
This Church has had many Revival Services, most of
which brought many conversions and other types of Church
additions. Spiritual renewEil and renewed activity by Church
members also were usually quite evident. As an example,
statements from three former reviveds appear below.
In the minutes of a Church Conference held June 18,
1906, there is recorded: "A series of meetings conducted by
the pastor Bro. W. R. CuUom, assisted by Bro. Fred N. Day,
of Winston-Salem, N. C, begun the 4th day of June, was
closed today the 18th. The doors of the Church were opened
from day to day eind the following members were added to
the Church."
After this statement sixty-five (65) names were separate-
ly listed. Of this 65 names, ten had for some reason been
lined out. There remained 55 names. Three were on
statement of faith and former Baptism, 25 came as
candidates for Baptism and 27 caime by letter from other
Churches.
There is found this statement in the minutes of a Church
Conference held March 18, 1908: "A series of meetings
conducted by the pastor, W. R. CuUom, assisted by Bro.
Neighbors of SaHsbury, N. C, beginning The doors of
the Church were opened from day to day for the reception of
members and the following members were added to the
Church."
After the above statement 35 names were listed. One of
them was lined out leaving 34. One came by restoration, two
by free will, five by letter and twenty-six for Baptism.
86
During the pastorate of Dr. E. Norfleet Gardner, the
Church Bulletin for March, 1938, dated March 6, 1938, is
copied in part: "Our people were much in prayer and joyful
anticipation before Carey Barker of Lynchburg returned for
his second meeting in Dunn. During his stay of two weeks in
our midst we were impelled every day to express gratitude
that God had led him our way. Since his leaving we have
served more joyfully in the task of our Lord. Let us continue
to ask God to watch over him, and bless his ministry."
"One hundred accessions to the Church was one result
of his stay in Dunn. To those whose names have not been
mentioned in a previous bulletin, we extend a hearty
WELCOME."
Following this statement sixty names are Usted as
candidates for Baptism, twenty-five names received by letter,
and five names received by statement. In the week previous
to the meeting ten were added to the Church. These were
evidentally included with those at the meeting to make the
one hundred. Just think! One hundred members at one time!
This Church has had three official names. When it was
constituted on September 27, 1885, it was named that day
"Greenwood Baptist Church". When it moved into the City
Limits of Dunn in 1887 the name was changed to "Dunn
Baptist Church". On organizing a Church, about 1909, in the
southern part of the Dunn area, the name was changed to
"First Baptist Church". Regardless of the name, this Church
has always conducted itself with sincerity, humbleness, and
dedication to the worship and service of Grod Himself and in
spreading the Good News of our risen and Hving Christ not
only in this community but to those even unto the uttermost
pEirts of the Eeirth.
87
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Records of First Baptist Church of Dunn, N. C.
Records and Histories by Herbert B. Taylor
History of Dunn Baptist Church by J. C. Clifford
History of First Baptist Church by Dr. Baylus Cabe
A History of Cool Springs Baptist Church, Sanford, N. C.
A History of Hood Memorigd Christian Church, Dunn, N. C.
A History of First Baptist Church, Gastonia, N. C.
Harnett County Register of Deeds
Harnett County Board of Education, Lillington, N. C.
Harnett County Library, Lillington, N. C.
Dunn City LibrEiry, Dunn, N. C.
Fayetteville City Library, Fayetteville, N. C.
N. C. Supreme Court Library, Raleigh, N. C.
Campbell University Library, Buies Creek, N. C.
Weike Forest University Library, Winston SeJem, N. C.
Dunn City Directories
New South River Baptist Association, Fayetteville, N. C.
South River Baptist Association Minute Books
Little River Baptist Association Minute Books
Official Records, including maps, fire department records,
etc.. City of Dunn, N. C.
Historial ReseEirch Records by Mrs. Lina S. Ennis
"The Little River Record", pubHshed by Dr. J. A, Campbell
- April, 1898, to July, 1918
"The Dunn Dispatch", Dunn, N. C.
"The Daily Record", Dunn, N. C.
The Bibhcal Recorder
Charity and Children
"The Sampsonian", Clinton, N. C.
"The Gastonia Daily Gazette", Gastonia, N. C.
Personal interviews with many, meiny people but especially
with Mrs. Emma Ann Ruark, George W. WUhams, Mrs.
Louise P. Stewart, Dr. Thomas M. Freeman, Rev. Ernest P.
Russell, Graham Henry, H. Paul Strickland, Dr. Robert A.
Jordan, Rev. Coley Rock
Records of North Clinton Avenue Baptist Church, Dunn, N.
C.
Records of Second Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C.
Records of Westfield Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C.
Records of Faith Baptist Church, Dunn, N. C.
"Depth Study of A Local Church Program - First Baptist
Church, Dunn, N. C." by Miss Nancy Parrish - May, 1967
(Campbell College Student Reseeirch Paper)
N. C. Department of Archives and History
Turlington and Turlington, LTD., LilUngton, N. C.
Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board, Richmond, Va.
Virginia Baptist Historical Society and Boatwright Memorial
Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Va.
North Carolina Baptist State Convention Headquarters,
Raleigh, N. C.
Offices of North Carolina Grand Lodge of Masons, Raleigh,
N. C.
Offices of Virginia Grand Lodge of Masons, Richmond,
Virginia
Alexandria and Washington Lodge No. 22 A. F. & A. M.,
Alexandria, Virginia
89
90
Appendix
91
At least ten (10) of the former members of this Church
have become ordained ministers and have distinguished
themselves in their chosen fields of service.
Albert B. Harrell
John BrainEird Taylor
T. Sloan Guy, Sr.
Dr. Casper C. Warren
WiUigmi A. Poole
Robert J. Barefoot
Clarence L. Corbett, Jr.
Bennie Wood
Jerry Barfield
Earl Davis Farthing
Earl Davis Farthing has also served on the foreign fields
as a missionary, having served a tour of duty in Japan.
RESIDENT MEMBERS
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, DUNN, N. C.
August 27, 1981
Adams, Mrs. Arthur
Aldredge, Emmett C, Jr.
Aldredge, Mrs. Carla
Aldredge, Mrs. Emmett C, Sr.
Allen, Mrs. CaUie E.
Allred, Leonard
Allred, Mrs. Myrtle
Atkins, Bennie F.
Atkins, Mrs. Johimie Mae
Ausley, Sam H., Jr.
Ausley, Mrs. Elizabeth
Avery, Mrs. Glenn (Barbara T.)
Aycock, Mrs. C. B. (Cleda)
Bagley, Mrs. Barbara
Bagley, Cindy
Barbour, Ellis Carl
Barbour, Mrs. Ginger
Barbour, Mrs. Fred
Barbour, Wayne T.
Beirbour, Mrs. Mary Sue
Barefoot, Mrs. Bernard (Lillian)
BEirefoot, Mrs. Carol
Barefoot, Brian
Barefoot, Mike
Barefoot. Scott
Barefoot, Mrs. Ceirlton (Verle)
Barefoot, Mrs. Troy (Lida)
Barefoot, Mac
Barefoot, Mrs. Louise
Barfield, Carey B.
Barfield, Mrs. Rosa
Barfield, Mrs. W. E. (Ruth)
Barfield, Wm. P.
Barfield, Mrs. Annette
Barrett, George
Barrett, Mrs. Hermie
BguTow, Mrs. Royce (Ann Luton)
Bass, Howard
Bass, Daisy
Bates, WiUiam, Jr. (BiUy)
Bates, Mrs. Patricia
Batts, Jackie Ray
Batts, Mrs. Catherine
Beach, Mrs. Dan (Ella)
Beasley, Mrs. Jeffrey A. (Brenda)
Beasley, W£illace
Beasley, Mrs. Darleen
Beasley, Wayne
Best, Braxton B.
Best, Mrs. Grace
92
Best, Brooks
Best, Mrs. Debbie
Bischoff, Mrs. Eloise
Blake, Mrs. Elizabeth
Bowen, Wiley
Bowen, Mrs. Peggy
Bowen, Rebecca
Boyette, Dennis
Boyette, Mrs. Eloise
Boyette, Flo
Boyette, Edwin
Boyette, Mrs. Beatrice
Boyette, Frances
Brannan, Mrs. W. M.
Brewer, Mrs. Ruth
Britton, Mrs. George (Elizabeth)
Brown, Mrs. James C.
Brown, Leisa
Brown, Chris
Bryan, Mrs. Irene
Buell, Jesse B.
Buell, Mrs. Linda
Buell, Mrs. Silas
Butler, McCauley
Butler, Mrs. Vera
Byrd, Bruce
Byrd, Mrs. Barbara
Byrd, Carl
Byrd, Mrs. Dan
Byrd, Mrs. Walter F.
Campbell, Mrs. Joseph T. (Linda)
Campbell, Bill
Campbell, Deborah
Campbell, Joseph Thomas, Jr.
Campbell, Mrs. Locke
Campbell, Lockwood
Campbell, Mrs. Mary
Cannady, Howard
Cannady, Mrs. Shirley
Cannady, Jennifer
Cannady, Jeanne
Cannady, Jgimes F.
Cannady, Mrs. Joyce
Cannady, Elizabeth Hope
Cannady, James Matthew
Capps, Lewis
Capps, Mrs. Carolyn
Capps, Lisa
Capps, Gregg
Carr, Richard J.
Carr, Mrs. Doris
Carr, Bryan
Carr, Jenny
Carr, Robert B.
Carr, Mrs. Loray
Carr, Angela
Carr, Emily
Carroll, Mrs. Herbert M.
Cashwell, Mrs. Irene
Catlett, Mrs. Davis C. (Clara)
Ciccone, Mrs. John (Dorothy)
Coats, Mrs. Hazel
Coats, James R.
Coats, Mrs. Patricia
Coats, Scott
Coats, Kimberly
Coats, Ralph
Coats, L. L. Sr.
Coats, Mrs. Ann
Coates, Wesley
Coates, Mrs. Alice
Cobb, Alton, A.
Cobb, Mrs. W. E. (Pressie)
Coleman, David F.
Coleman, Mrs. Ceirolyn
Coleman, Dava
Cooper, Mrs. Ruth D.
Cooper, Wm. C, Sr.
Corbett, Mrs. C. L. (Mildred)
Corbin, Mrs. Thomas J.
Corbin, Tommy
Cox, Glenn, Jr.
Cox, Glenn, Sr.
Cox, Mrs. MgirceUa
Cox, Connie
Connor, Mrs. C. T. (Ruth)
Creech, Mrs. F. W. (Betty)
Creed, B. G.
Creed, Mrs. Linda
Creed, Chris
Creed, Clint
Grumpier, Royce
Grumpier, Mrs. Frankie
Crimipler, Wanda
Grumpier, Diane
Gulp, Miss Amanda
93
Daniels, W. Ray
Daniels, Mrs. Lib
Daniels, Kim
Daniels, John
Davis, Donald W.
Davis, Mrs. Kathleen
Davis, Aprile
Davis, KrystaJ
Davis, Neal E.
Davis, Mrs. Jgine
Dawson, J. M.
Denning, Miss Edna
Denning, Miss Lola
Dixon, James Roland
Dixon, Mrs. Millard (Dorothy)
Dixon, Jerry Stephen (Steve)
Dixon, Jonathan
Dorman, Mrs. Russell B.
Dorman, Gale
Drew, Mrs. Don Ella
Drew, Paul B.
Driver, Eugene
Driver, Mrs. Mary Lou
Dudley, WiUard H.
Dudley, Mrs. Hilda
Duncan, R. Haruz
Duncan, Mrs. Myrtle
Edens, Edward Glenn, Jr. (Eddie)
Edens, Dana Renee
Edwards, Joseph E.
EdwEirds, Phyllis
Eldridge, Alan
Eldridge, Harvey, Jr.
Eldridge, Mrs. Tense
Eldridge, Steven
Elmore, Mrs. James (Elgeree)
Elmore, Cynthia
Elmore, Johnny
Ennis, Mrs. Curtis (Lina)
Ennis, Mrs. Elsie
Ennis, Mrs. H. L. (Pauline)
Earp, Bobby
Earp, Mrs. Msirinda
Earp, Hal
Earp, Dee Ann
Ennis, Raymond
Ennis, Mrs. Audrey
Ennis, R. O. (Bill)
Ennis, Mrs. Pearl
Ennis, Thomas Ray
Farthing, Mrs. James, Sr.
Farthing, James S., Jr.
Farthing, Mrs. Rosalyn
Farthing, Lucille
Fennell, Mrs. Ann
Fennell, Lori
Fennell, William C, Jr.
Finch, Keith G., Jr.
Finch, Mrs. Anne Arnold
Finch, Keith G., Sr.
Finch, Mrs. Virginia
Fisher, Mrs. Chas. Ray (Ann)
Freda, James Anthony
Freeman, Thomas M.
Freeman, Mrs. Maisie
Fuller, Kenneth M.
Fuller, Mrs. Linda
Fowler, Charles
Fowler, Mrs. Nita
Fowler, Michele
Fowler, Melanie
Fowler, Tony
Gagich, Mrs. Danny
Gavin, Mrs. Lewis (Annie Rose)
Godwin, Alton Edward
Godwin, Mrs. Dovie
Grodwin, Dewey
Grodwin, H. E. (Tommy)
Godwin, Locke
Godwin, J. Leon
Godwin, Mrs. Mae
Godwin, J. Leon, Jr.
Godwin, Joseph H.
Godwin, Mrs. Christine
Gomez, E. N. (Henry)
Gomez, Mrs. Norma
Gomez, Lisa
Grace, Robert A.
Grace, Mrs. Carolyn
Grace, John Robert
Green, Herman P.
Green, Mrs. EUzabeth
Grimes, Mrs. Eunice
Hall, James W.
Hall, Mrs. Myrtle
HaU. BiU
94
Hancock, Mrs. Norma Jean
Harant, Mrs. Frankie
Hardison, Mrs. David A. (Oma C.)
Hardison, Franklin
Hardison, Mrs. Kenneth
Hawley, Miss Fannie
Hawley, James E.
Hawley, Mrs. Jessie
Hawley, Thomas Eail, Sr.
Hawley, Mrs. Jewel
Hayes, Jack
Hayes, Mrs. Elsie U.
Hames, Don
Hallman, Thomas Bryan, in
Hallman, Mrs. Cheryl
Henry, Mrs. George W.
Henry, R. Grahsun
Henry, Mrs. Margaret
Henry, George Willigim
Herring, J. T.
Herring, Mrs. Hee
Hinson, Mrs. A. T. (Minnie)
Hinson, James M.
Hinson, Mrs. Joy
Hinson, Marshgill
Hinson, Mrs. Patricia
Hodges, Mrs. W. W. (Maggie)
Herring, Stephen
Holder, Mrs. Gordon A. (Anna)
Holland, Felton G.
Holl£ind, Mrs. Vivian
Holland, Mrs. John D. (Ada)
Holland, Mrs. M. C, Jr. (Jeein)
HoUand, M. C, Sr.
Holland, Mrs. Edna
Holland, Robert Ray
Hood, Mrs. LiUian Adley
Home, James H.
Hudson, Mrs. Edwin (Olese)
Hudson, M. W. (Kie)
Hudson, Mrs. Lunette
Hudson, Ralph
Hudson, John
Hudson, David
Hudson, Cindy
Hudson, Rev. Sam F.
Hudson, Mrs. Sam F.
Hudson, Wilham L.
Hudson, Mrs. Patsy
Hudson, REindy
Hudson, Perry
Ingram, John Rsmdolph, II (Randy)
Ingram, Mrs. Kimberly
Jemigan, Mrs. Cecil (Gladys)
Jemigan, Lynn
Jemigan, Glynn
Jemigan, EdwEU-d L.
Jemigan, Mrs. Eudell
Jemigan, Harold E.
Jemigan, Mrs. Rowena
Jemigan, Mrs. Luby (Margaret)
Jemigan, Mrs. M. M. (SaUie)
Jemigan, Mrs. W. Robert (Louise)
Johnson, Mrs. Hugh D., Sr. (Shirley)
Johnson, Hugh D., Jr.
Johnson, June
Johnson, Marvin B.
Johnson, Mrs. Dolly
Johnson, Jennifer
Jones, Mrs. Allen E. (Gladys)
Jones, Mrs. Horace (Myrtice)
Jones, J. L., Jr.
Jones, Mrs. Juanita
Jones, O. R. (Bab)
Jones, Mrs. Gladys
Jones, Robert H.
Jones, Mrs. Peggy
Jones, Robert H., Jr.
Jones, Cecil B. (Bo)
Jones, Mrs. Thelma
Jones, Walter E., Jr.
Jones, W. Earl
Jones, Mrs. Frances
Joseph, Nick
Joseph, Charles R.
King, Samuel E.
King, Mrs. Janice
Kinlaw, R. W.
Kinlaw, Mrs. Alice
Kittrell, Leon L., Jr.
Kittrell, Mrs. Laney
Kittrell, Doris
Kyff, Mrs. John (Iris)
Lassiter, Edward
Lassiter, Mrs. Mary
Lassiter, Keen
95
Lassiter, Mary Leigh
Lawrence, Hylton
Lawrence, Mrs. Phyllis
Lawrence, William P., Jr.
Lawrence, Peggy
Ledford, Mark
Ledford, Poe H.
Ledford, Mrs. Bobbie
Ledford, Ctirol
Lee, Charles A.
Lee, Mrs. Cecil Ray
Lee, Mrs. Cecil Ray (Sallie)
Lee, Howard M., Sr.
Lee, Mrs. Juanita
Lee, James E.
Lee, Mrs. Carol
Lee, Kenneth
Lee, Mrs. Linda
Lee, Tony R.
Livingston, Mrs. C. C. (Brenda)
Lovelace, William (Bill)
Lovelace, Mrs. Louise
McAdams, Mrs. Selene P.
McCall, Mrs. John R. (Ola)
McKay, John A., Jr.
McLamb, Mrs. D. M. (Fannie)
McLeimb, Jimmy
McLamb, Mrs. Virginia
McLeimb, Allen
McLeod, Max
McLeod, Mrs. Hazel
Mann, Ivan J., Jr. (Jack)
Mann, Mrs. Katheryn
Mann, Ivanna
Mann, Rhonda
Manning, Mrs. Augusta
Manning, Oliver O.
Manning, Mrs. Gladys
Matthews, Dallas
Matthews, Mrs. Edna
Matthews, Dallas, Jr.
Matthews, Mrs. Betty Jean
Matthews, Miss Evelyn
Matthews, Miss Hazel
Matthews, Miss Ophelia
Maxwell, Mrs. Ethel
Maynard, Mrs. AUie (Sarsih)
Maynard, Mrs. L. C. (Ava)
Mitchell, Mrs. Dorothy
Mitchell, Marty
Mitchell, Henry
Mixon, Willard
Mixon, Mrs. Josephine
Mixon, Patricia
Monds, Mrs. Adelaide
Monds, Melissa
Moore, Mrs. Dora
Moore, Sallie Ann
Moore, J. C.
Moore, Mrs. Gene
Moore, Mike
Naylor, Carlyle
Nay lor, Luby
Naylor, Mrs. Anna
Naylor, Mrs. Robert (Linda)
Naylor, Mrs. S. R. (Hattie)
Nehring, Mrs. Michael '
Newton, Taylor
Newton, Mrs. Ctirolyn
Newton, Ehzabeth
Newton, Virginia Ann
Norris, Mrs. Gary (Debbie Moore)
Norris, Miss Gertrude
O'Brien, Mrs. Whylma
Overmein, Mrs. Ernest L. (Ruth)
Parham, John
Parham, Mrs. Salhe
Parham, Michael (Mike)
Parham, Ronnie
Parker, Mrs. Frank (Jane)
PEirker, Allison
Parker, John H.
Parker, Mrs. Mildred
Parker, Phillip
Parrish, Charles Gilmer
Pgirrish, Mrs. Jean
Peay, Mrs. C. Hubert (Emma)
PhiUips, Nathan Ray
Phillips, Virginia (Ginny)
Pittard, Miss Virginia
Pope, Mrs. Alan (Kathy)
Pope, Mrs. CUfford (Gladys)
Pope, Mrs. Grace
Pope, John Henry
Pope, Mrs. Flossie
Pope, Dr. Lloyd A.
96
Pope, Mrs. Janie
Pope, Lloyd, Jr.
Pope, Ricky T.
Proctor, Mrs. Arthur (Jackie)
Raynor, Mrs. Mfirvin (Avis)
Raynor, Mrs. Milton
ReBarker, Mrs. Betty D.
Riddle, Noah B.
Riddle, Mrs. Lena
Riddle, Jimmy
Riddle, Randy
Roberts, Mrs. Beatrice
Roberts, Ricky
Roberts, Johnny Ray
Robinette, Miss Madeline
Roebuck, Geu-land
Roebuck, Mrs. Myrtle
Roebuck, Garland EI
Roebuck, Steve
Roseman, Howard
Ruark, Herbert
Ruark, Judy
Ruark, Mrs. Joseph (Enmia Ann)
Ryals, Mrs. Henry (Ruby P.)
Ryals, W. E.
Ryals, Mrs. Thelma
Saterfiel, G. T.
Saterfiel, Mrs. Lucy
Saterfiel, Mary Sue
Schwill, Mrs. Caroline
Smith, Miss Fginnie Belle
SinclEiir, Eric, Sr.
Sinclair, Mrs. Shirley
Sinclair, Tim
Sinclgiir, Michael (Mike)
Sinclair, Mrs. Rhonda
Skinner, Charles U.
Skinner, Chas. L. (Pete)
Skinner, Mrs. Glenda
Skinner, S£ira
Skinner, Scott
Slaughter, Bennie O.
Slaughter, Mrs. Bertha
Smith, Gordon
Smith, Mrs. Lucille
Smith, J. No well, Jr.
Smith, Mrs. Hazel
Smith, Mrs. John R. (Nettie)
Smith, Mrs. Marion
Smith, R. Nowell (Butch)
Smith, Mrs. Beth
Snipes, Larry D.
Snipes, Mrs. Cathy
Snipes, Mrs. Rgdph V.
Snow, D wight W.
Snow, Mrs. Susan
Spears, Wm. David
Spears, Mrs. Jo
Stallings, Mrs. Mary Drake
Stephenson, Mrs. L. Garland
Stevenson, Mrs. Meixine McLeod
Stewart, Mrs. Chas. L. (Bertie)
Stewart, Mrs. Edwin (Frances)
Stewart, Mrs. Sam (Irene)
Stewart, Mrs. W. C. (Louise)
Storey, Mrs. Charles (Rose)
Strickland, H. Paul
Strickland, Mrs. Dee
Strickland, John F.
Strickland, Mrs. Ruby
Strickland, Juhus Lsuiier
Strickland, Mary Louise
Strickland, Charles R.
Strickland, O. Bobby
Strickland, Mrs. Annie Sue
Strickland, Mrs. Paul L., Sr. (Inez)
Strickland, Paul L., Jr.
Strickland, Mrs. Edna Gray
Strickland, Mrs. R. Dennis (Wheatly)
Strickland, R. Dennis, Jr.
Surles, Bruce
Surles, Harper B.
Surles, Mrs. Lennie
Tart, Howard L.
Tart, Mrs. Ruth
Tart, J. Woodrow
Tart, Mrs. Louise
Tart, Mrs. James B. (Neva)
Tart, Earl
Tew, Mrs. Fay Barbour
Thomas, J. I.
Thomas, Mrs. Julia
Thomas, J. Perry
Thomas, Mrs. Opal
Thomas, Larry W.
Thomas, Mrs. Jeinice
97
Thomas, Katherine Grey
Thomas, Elizabeth Paige
Thomas, Michael David
Thomas, Mrs. Cashie
Thomas, Richard
Thomas, Mrs. Jane
Thompson, Benjamin N. (Ben)
Thompson, Mrs. Patrice
Thornton, Miss Waia. Lee
True, Mrs. Eula
Thomas, Jesse J.
Thomas, Mrs. Gay
Thomas, Andrea
Thomas, Bleiir
Turlington, Meirvin
Turlington, Mrs. Madeline
Tumage, Charles
Tumage, Mrs. Lauralene
Tumage, Steve
Tximage, Mrs. J. Furman (Evelyn)
Tyner, Mrs. J. Harvey (Gertrude)
Upchurch, Mrs. Cad (Nelva)
Wade, Charles C.
Wade, Mrs. Ethel
Wade, Mrs. James L. (Joyce)
Wdton, Mrs. Percy (Dorothy)
Walton, Mrs. Fred (Peggy)
Walton, Dawn
Warren, Calvin
Warren, Chfford
Warren, Mrs. Pauline
Wairren, Ernest C.
Warren, Mrs. Ollie Grey
Warren, Mrs. Jeorge, Sr.
Wsirren, Miss Foye
Warren, Luby
Warren, Mrs. Agnes :;-,
Warren, Luby S.
Warren, Mrs. Catherine
Watkins, Albert F.
Watkins, Mrs. Retha
Watkins, Leirry
Watkins, Jerry
Watkins, Mrs. Joyce
Weaver, Robert
Weaver, Mrs. Emily
Weaver, Lou
Weeks, Jesse
Weeks, Mrs. Georgia
Weeks, Ray A.
Weeks, Mrs. Joy
WeUs, Robert T. (Bobby)
Wells, Mrs. Jo Ann
Wells, Taylor
Wells, Michael Bryem
West, A. L., Sr. (Pete)
West, Mrs. Magdalene
West, Mrs. Cheirles O. (Juanita)
West, Charles, Jr.
West, John Robert
West, R. A.
West, Mrs. Edna
West, Bobby
Westbrook, Mrs. Earl (Mary)
Westbrook, Mrs. H. A. (Louie Belle)
Westbrook, Rich£ird (Sonny)
White, PaulG., Sr.
White, Mrs. Ruth
Whitman, Leon
Whitmgm, Mrs. Maxine
Whiteman, Mike
White, Mrs. Delores Byrd
White, Miss Melissa
White, Miss Tabatha
Whitehurst, Miss Ann
Whittenton, Mrs. Marjorie
Whittenton, Ben
Whittenton, Mrs. Dewey (Iva)
Whittenton, Henry
Whittenton, Mrs. Reta
Whittenton, Mrs. Virgie
Wiggins, Mrs. Sam (Kate)
Williams, Arthur Franklin
Williams, George, Jr.
Williams, George W., Sr.
Williams, Mrs. Jennie
Williams, Miss Jane
Williams, ScEirlette
Williams, Curtis
Williams, Brent
Williams, Craig
Wilson, Mrs. Jesse M.
Wilson, Mrs. J. O (Etta West)
Wilson, Mrs. Joseph (Blanche)
Wilson, Mrs. Oscar T. (Beulah)
Wilson, O. T., Jr.
98
Wilson, Mrs. Hilda
Woodlief, Mrs. Vivian
Young, Joe
Young, Mrs. Addie
Youngblood, Mrs. Beatrice
Yoimgblood, Earl
Youngblood, Harold
(The above roster furnished by Church Office and not
compiled by this writer)
MEMBERS OF CRESTVIEW MISSION
AS OF August 27, 1981
Allen, Miss Tina N.
Allen, Miss Susan Rene
Amnions, Miss Gail Lee
Bryant, Mrs. Patricia S.
Byrd, Mr. Bobby Lynn
Beasley, Mrs. Janice
Beasley, Mr. Woody Keith
Baggett, Mrs. Catherine Faircloth
Baucom, Miss Mary EHzabeth
Brown, Mrs. W. R. (Betty)
Baucom, Miss Angela Msirie
Barker, Mrs. Ethel
Barker, Mr. D. F.
Dowd, Leonard Eugene
Eason, Mr. Scottie Lane
Fann, Mrs. James A. (Mary Lee)
Gilbert, Mr. James Richeird
Godwin, Mrs. Barbara
Guin, Mrs. Mickey Angela Bass
House, Miss Tammy Lynn
House, Miss Anita Lynette
House, Miss Ann Michelle
House, Mrs. Ruth Helen McLeod
HaU, Mrs. Shelby Gray
Hodgeman, Mr. Rodney M.
Hodgeman, Mrs. Dorothy Jean
Hodgeman, Mr. Douglas Scott
Hodgeman, Miss Sonia
Jemigan, Miss Annette
JemigEin, Mr. Donnie Ray
Jemigan, Mrs. Pat (Donnie Ray)
Jemigan, Mrs. Barbara
Jemigan, Mr. Hubert Owen
Jemigan, Miss Teresa Lynn
Jemigan, Miss Peggy Sue
Jemigan, Miss Debbie
(The above roster furnished
compiled by this writer)
Lee, Mr. Bassie
Lee, Mrs. Pearl
Lee, Mr. Larry Leon
Lee, Miss Tammy Medinda
McPherson, Mr. C. Michael (Mike)
McPherson, Mrs. C. Michael (Frances)
Morgan, Mrs. Lois
Norris, Mrs. Faye
Oldham, Mr. Henry Lee
Oldham, Mrs. Henry Lee
Oldham, Miss Teresa GeqI
Pipkin, Milton
Pipkin, Mrs. Milton (Roena)
Sutton, Mr. Christopher Bryan
Sutton, Mrs. Jo Ann
Sutton, Miss Le-Ann
Sutton, Mr. Rodney, Jr.
Stew£irt, Mrs. Dorothy Anne
Stanley, Mrs. Gladys Fay
St£incil, Mrs. Janice
Tart, Mr. James David
Tart, Mrs. James David (Brenda W.)
Tart, Mr. James Andrew
Tart, Mrs. James Carl (Oleda Blanch)
Teirt, Mr. James Carl
Tart, Mr. Raeford
Tart, Mrs. Raeford L. (Virginia)
Tart, Mrs. Joyce Mae
West, Mr. Otis (deceased)
West, Mrs. Vennie
Westbrook, Mr. Lloyd Harold
Westbrook, Mrs. Linda Lou
Westbrook, Miss Linda Joyce
West, Mrs. Mary
West, Mrs. Wilma
W^ilson, Mrs. Meiry Lou
by Church Office and not
99
NON-RESIDENT MEMBERS
August 31, 1981
Adcock, Charles
Addison, Mrs. Rufus R.
Alabaster, Vickie
Aldinger, Robert Frederic
Alford, Mrs. Francis Tart
Altman, Coleman
Amnions, Miss Virginia
Anderson, Cecil
Atkins, Virginia Dare
Beiker, James V.
Baker, Mrs. James V. (Doris)
Barnes, J. D.
Barnes, Mrs. J. D. (Henrietta)
Bailey, Frank, Jr.
Bailey, Hazel
Baird, Miss Viola
Baker, James
Barefoot, Kay Freinces
Barrier, Mrs. William Smith
(Ahna Belle)
Bgirrow, Mrs. Mary
Batts, Billy
Bennett, Mrs. Margeiret Rayfield
Beechum, Carol Sue
Bethea, Ralph
Blackburn, J. A.
Black, Mrs. Cedlie Price
Blackley, O. P.
Blackwell, Mrs. Dale, Jr.
(Norma Jean)
Bowman, Richard
Brannan, Wade M., Jr.
Brewer, Edwin Ray
Brock, Billy --
Brown, Betty EUzabeth
Brown, Trissie EUen
Buchannan, Miss Mary
Burch, Mrs. Esther Morgan
Bush, Ruth
Butler, Eugene
Cheek, C. R.
Cheek, Mrs. C. R. (Beulah)
Clayton, Elbert T.
Clayton, Mrs. Myrtis Yancey
Ceiin, Fred
Cain, Mrs. Fred
Campbell, Miss Virginia
Carr, James Owen
Chalk, Wilbur
Chalk, Mrs. Wilbur
Coats, Leonard Edward
Coats, Rose Marie
Colville, Mrs. Larry T. (Kathryn)
Cook, Mrs. Fred
Cresswell, R. S.
CressweU, Mrs. R. A.
CuUom, Miss Ernestine
Dalrymple, John, Jr.
Dalrymple, M£u-y Sue
Daniels, Dexter
Daniels, James
Daniels, Leonard
Dawson, Mack
Deal, Betty Lou
Dixon, Roy Danny
Dixon, Grace S.
Dudley, Ray
Dimcan, Oliver C, Jr.
Early, Carolyn
EUiott, Mrs. Frank (Vada)
Ennis, Earl
Eubanks, W. A.
Freeman, Mrs. Frank
(Nine Alice)
Fries, Mrs. Bob (Dorothy)
Godwin, Mr. Ronald Lane
Gainey, Dorothy Jean
Gairdner, David
GOes, Mrs. Jackie Jemigan
Glover, Fleming
Glover, Sue Early
Godwin, Lewis, Jr.
Godwin, Joe
Grodwin, Herman, Jr.
Godwin, Mrs. Homer Patrick
(Nancy)
Glover, Mrs. Fleming J.
(Marjorie)
Harrell, James W.
100
Harrell, Mrs. James W.
(Shirley)
Harrington, Mrs. DeWitt
(Hariett)
Herring, Anne Hall
Haithcox, J. D.
HaU, A. L. Clem
Hall, A. Roland
Hall, Mary
HaU, Mrs. Ruby
Hall, William Anderson
Harden, Mrs. Eugene
(Joyce Pope)
Hardison, David A., Jr.
Hardison, Sandra
Hardison, Mrs. SherrLU
(Patricia Ann)
Hawley, Mrs. David
(Ellen)
Hayden, Mrs. Anna Smith
H£izeldon, Mrs. O. B.
(Verda JemigEin)
Hendricks, Mrs. W. O.
(Denella)
Herring, Bishop
Hinnant, Mrs. P. L.
Hinton, Roy
Hodges, Eugene
Holland, Charles Wallace
Holland, Herbert Dare
Holler, Mrs. Richard Louis
(Gloria Barnes)
Honeycutt, Donald
Hopkins, Michael
House, Mrs. R. W.
Ivey, Joyce
Johnson, Ralph, Jr.
Jemigan, Miss Jainet
Jackson, Mrs. Charles
(Carolyn Gardner)
Jackson, Mrs. B. J.
(Barbara Martin)
Jackson, Edna Mae
Jackson, Grace Lee
Jackson, Gloria Jean
Jackson, Miss Glenda
Jackson, Howell
Jackson, Hugh
Jemigan, Mrs. J. T.
Jernigan, Walter
Johnson, Amos C.
Johnson, Mrs. Amos
(Judith)
Johnson, Bobbie
Johnson, Mrs. Clemuel
(Nancy Sugg)
Johnson, Douglas
Johnson, E. B., Jr.
Johnson, Mrs. James
Jones, Carr
Jones, O. C.
Jones, Mrs. O. C.
Jones, W. Paul
Keene, I. W., Jr.
Kirby, Kenneth N.
Langdon, Mrs. Talmage H.
Lee, Betty Lou
Lee, HowEird M., Jr.
Lee, Mrs. John Mack
(Jewell HoUand)
Lee, Harry Kline
Lee, Carl
Lee, Clel E.
Lewis, Mrs. Charles
Lewis, Mrs. Tommy
(Marth Ann)
Lynch, Francis
McDonald, Mrs. Bleese
McLamb, Cindy
McLamb, Mrs. Jean Martin
McLamb, Theodore
Moss, John C.
Moss, Mrs. John C.
Moss, John Richard
Moss, Robert Neal
Manning, Richard
Mason, Chsirles F.
Mason, Mrs. Charles F.
Matthews, Mrs. David
Mitchell, Mrs. Meimie
Monds, Richard S., Jr.
Monds, Mrs. Cindy
Moore, Miss Inez
Morgan, Haxel
Murphy, James L,
101
Murphy, Mrs. James L.
(Madaline)
Murphy, Patrick Michael
Murphy, Sheila Ann
Murray, Mrs. Ocie F.
(Debroah Josephine)
Norris, Miss Inez
Naylor, Ammie
Newell, Patty
Norris, Miss Ada Frances
Norris, Mrs. Mann, Jr.
(ErHne)
Norris, Stonewall
No well, Mrs. Tal E.
Owens, Henry L.
Pope, Mrs. Willis
Pope, Frances
Pedpant, Mrs. Pierre Rene
(Elaine)
Partin, Mrs. Leo
(Blanch Gainey)
Parrish, Lois
P2irrish, Betty Larue
Paschal, Mrs. Eva
Pearce, Mrs. Evan Oris, HI
(Isabelle Naylor)
Peay, Jimmy
Phillips, Mrs. J. T.
Phillips, James Hairold
Pollard, Mrs. TiUman
Pope, Joyce Faye
Price, Raymond
Price, Mrs. Raymond
Price, Robert L.
Price, Mrs. Robert L.
Page, Robert A.
Raines, Mrs. Williaim Nordan
Ray field, M. B.
Ray field, Mrs. M. B.
Rayford, H. L
Raynor, Milton, Jr.
Reeves, Charles Deiniel
Reeves, Mrs. Charles Daniel
(Barbara)
Riddle, Teresa
Roth, Mrs. Arthur, Jr.
(Becky Aycock)
Royals, Miss Marie
Russell, Clyde Hayworth
Rollins, Mrs. Cora Leigh
Ryals, Wesley
Ryals, Donald
Sabastian, Ron
Sabastian, Mrs. Revonda
Salmon, Hilary Conner
Slamon, Mrs. Hilary C.
Shelton, Alma Lee
Sherrill, Joe
Sills, Mrs. Lin wood Hugh
(Effie Lou)
Sills, Mrs. Hubert L.
Smith, Mrs. D. W.
Smith, Mrs. Earl
(Rhetta McLamb)
Smith, Mrs. Ray (Jo Ann)
Spence, Mrs. Wallace A.
(Elese Gainey)
Stephens, Mrs. Eula Butler
Stephens, Judson
Stephenson, Colon, Jr.
Stewart, Keith Dudley
Stewart, Mrs. OUn T.
Stewart, H. L.
Stewart, Miss Polly
Stinson, B. C.
Stinson, Mrs. B. C.
Stricklgmd, Norma Grey
Sturgill, Jackie
Suggs, Mrs. Everett S.
Sugg, Mgiry Sue
Summer, Mrs. Toby (Sue)
Swan, Mrs. Tommie
Tart, Corbett W.
Tart, John
Taylor, Seindra
Tew, Mrs. Henry
(Pansy Lowery)
Thomas, Mrs. Darius M.
Thomas, Eddie
Thomas, Lois Pauline
Thomason, Mrs. Gilbert
(Jane Westbrook)
Thornton, Billy
Thornton, LeRoy
Tomberlie, Mrs. Calvin
(Trudy)
102
Turlington, Mrs. Silas Warren, Meirie
Underwood, Mrs. Fleet M. West, Mrs. Adele J.
Underwood, Sarah Williamson, I. J., Sr.
Van Harlingen, Mrs. Jewel Harris Williamson, I. J., Jr.
Wade, Ronnie Wilson, Edward Holt
Warren, Major William Howard Williams, Mrs. Maxine Parrish
Winfield, Mrs. Linda Wishart, Mrs. D^vid
Wall, Mrs. Clarence Wrench, Mrs. Rosa Lee
(Jewel McLean) Yancey, Mrs. W. F.
Wallace, Mrs. William Yancey, Miss Charlotte
W£irren, Connie H. Yeincey, Miss Mae
(This writer recognizes that errors may exist in this Roster of
Non-Resident Members. However it is the best information
available to him at this time.)
CONSTITUTION
OF
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DUNN,
NORTH CAROLINA
PREAMBLE
For the purpose of preserving, propagating and making
known specifically the principles of our Faith, and to the end
that this body of beheving Christians may be governed in an
orderly manner consistant with the accepted principals of
Missionary Baptist Churches, for the purpose of preserving
the hberties inherent in each individual member of the
church, and in order to set forth the relationship of this body
to other Baptist bodies, we do adopt and establish this
Constitution.
ARTICLE I. NAME
The name of this organization shgill be The First Baptist
Church of Dunn, North Carolina.
ARTICLE II. PURPOSE
The First Baptist Church of Dunn is organized for the
purpose of advancing £ind promoting the worship of God
through the reading and study of the Holy Bible as the
revealed word of God, the teaching and preaching of the
Gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, conducting
regular services of worship for the spirtual training,
development and benefit of each member and for the winning
of souls to Jesus Christ. This church shall be missionary in
spirit, extending the Gospel through our organized religious
103
channels to the entire world. It shall promote and maintain
the teachings and doctrines of that Christian denomination
universally known and designated as the Missionary Baptist
Denomination. It shall exist to provide regular opportunities
for pubHc worship, to sustain the ordinances, doctrines and
ethics set forth in the New Testament for the church of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and to channel its offerings to the support
of the objects of the Kingdom of God. In order to effectively
carry forward the objects and purposes set forth above, the
Church wiU have full power and authority to purchase, lease
and acquire by gift, devise or bequest and to hold, mortgage,
convey and dispose of all kinds of property, both real and
personal.
ARTICLE m. MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1. COMPOSITION OF PRESENT MEMBERSHIP
The membership of this Church shall be composed of
persons whose names appear on the roll of this Church at the
date of the adoption of this Constitution.
SECTION 2. RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS
Members may be received in this Church in the
following ways:
A. By vote of the Church after a candidate has given
evidence of regeneration by the spirit of God and following
the baptism of such candidate by immersion.
B. A member of another Church may be received by a
vote of the Church upon promise of letter of transfer from the
church where membership resides, provided such member
has been baptised by immersion. If such person has not been
baptised by immersion, such person's membership shall be
effective following such baptism. The applying member will
be in a watch-care relationship until letter of transfer is
received from the other church.
C. Anyone who has once been a member of a Baptist
Church and in consequence of peculiar circumstances has lost
that relationship or is not able otherwise to promise a letter
of transfer may be received into the fellowship of this Church
upon statement to the membership of faith and previous
baptism by immersion and by a vote of the Church.
D. Application for membership under circumstances
other than those described in A, B and C above will be
considered by the Church in conference and the decision of
the Church will be final in each case.
104
SECTION 3. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be terminated in the following ways:
A. A letter of transfer to unite with another Baptist
Church may be issued, upon request, to the church in which
the member is planning to join, providing such member is in
good standing. All such apphcations must be passed upon by
the Church in conference.
B. A member's name shall be dropped from the roll of
membership at the time of this death.
C. Any member's name shall be removed from the
Church roll upon the written request of such member to the
effect that he desires his name to be so removed.
D. A member's name shall be removed from the roll
upon it becoming known that such member has become
affiliated with a church of another faith or denomination.
E. The Church, after due notice and opportunity for
hearing, £md every possible kindly effort to make such action
imnecessary, may upon majority of vote, terminate the
membership of a person in this body for reasons it considers
sufficient to warrant such action.
SECTION 4. DUTIES OF MEMBERS
Members are expected to be faithful in all of the duties
essentied to the Christiem hfe ; to attend regularly the services
of the Church; to give regularly and systematically to its
support and Kingdom causes; £md to share in its orggmized
work.
ARTICLE IV. MEETINGS
SECTION 1. This Church shall hold regular meetings for
worship, teaching, training £md fellowship.
SECTION 2. This Church shall hold regular business
meetings for the disposition of all business matters not
otherwise provided for, to hear reports from the various
church organizations and to consider other matters essential
to the spiritual welfare and prosperity of the congregation.
Notice of such business meetings shall be given in the
Church publications and or at a regular meeting at least one
week in advance.
SECTION 3. Other meetings of the Church as a whole or
of authorized groups within the Church may be set according
to the needs of the congregation.
ARTICLE V. OFFICERS
The officers of this Church shall be a pastor, and other
vocational leadership as needed, deacons, trustees, clerk,
105
treasurer, gind such other officers as shall be required to do
the work of the Church in any of its departments or
organizations. All of these shall be elected by the Church and
shall be members in good standing at the time of election
except that a pastor may not be a member until after his call.
ARTICLE VI. ELECTION AND DUTIES OF
CHURCH OFFICERS
A. Pastor
SECTION 1 Call: Whenever a vacancy occurs, a pastor
sheJl be called by the Church to serve until the relationship is
dissolved at the request of either the pastor or the Church. In
either case, at least sixty days' notice shall be given of
termination of the relationship, imless otherwise mutually
agreed upon, with both pastor and Church seeking to foUow
the will of God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The Church may, however, terminate the relationship in
shorter time provided pastor's salary be continued through
the sixty day period.
The call of the pastor shall take place at a meeting
especieilly set for that purpose of which at least one week's
notice has been given the membership. The election shall be
upon the recommendation of a special committee recom-
mended by the deacons and approved by the Church to seek
out and nominate as pastor a minister of the gospel whose
ChristiEin character and quedifications fit him for the office.
The committee shall bring only one name at a time for the
consideration of the Church and no nominations sheJl be
made except by the committee. Election shall be by standing
vote or by ballot at the discretion of the congregation with an
affirmative vote of three-fourths of those present and voting
necessary for £in extension of a call. Should the minister
recommended by the committee fail to receive a three-fourths
vote, the committee will be instructed to seek out Euiother
minister and the meeting at which the vote was taken shall
be adjourned without debate.
SECTION 2. Duties: The pastor shall have in charge the
welfare and oversight of the Church; he shall be ex-officio
member of all organizations, departments and committees;
he may call a special meeting of the deacons or of any
committee according to procedures which are set forth in the
By-Laws; he shedl conduct reHgious services on stated and on
special occasions, administer the ordinances, minister to the
spiritual needs of the members of the Church and comm-
imity; he shall perform other duties that usually pertain to
that office; he shall have special charge of the pulpit ministry
of the Church and shall, in cooperation with the Pulpit
106
Committee and/or the Deacons, provide for pulpit supply
when he is absent, and shall arrange, with the concurrence of
the pulpit committee, for ministers to assist in revival
meetings and workers to assist in other special services
required by the Church. It shall be his special responsibility
to win the lost to Christ, to minister to the spiritual needs of
the members of his congregation, and through prayer and
study to render effective preaching £ind pastoral ministries.
B. Deacons
The Active Diaconate shall consist of thirty Deacons,
male or female, plus any Lifetime Deacons. Deacons shall be
elected from among those Church members who have proven
themselves to have Scriptural qualifications according to I
Timothy 3 and Titus I. They shall be elected for a term of
three yeeirs. After serving a three year term. Deacons shall
reteiin their title of Deacon and may be called upon for
service by the Church at any time but shall be ineligible for
re-election to the Active Diaconate until at least one year has
elapsed following their retirement from this service.
The Deacons presently serving shall continue to serve for
the term to which they were elected. Annually, on or before
September 1st, the Church, as a whole, shall nominate from
a Hst of the Adult Church membership at least two members
for each vacancy occurring on the Active Diaconate for the
forthcoming year and a list of such nominations Shall be
presented to the Church for a vote for the purpose of
reducing the number of nominees to twice the number of
vacancies occuring for the forthcoming year and any
vacancies existing as a result of death, resignation or any
other reason. The individueds receiving the highest niunber of
votes shall be the nominees. Vote shall be by secret beJlot. In
the event of a tie vote, the list of nominees shaU be increased
by the number of such individuEds involved in the tie vote
determining the maximum number of nominees as heretofore
provided. No person is ehgible for nomination to a term
which will result in such person serving at the same time
such person's spouse has been previously elected to serve. In
the event that husband and wife both receive sufficient votes
for nomination, that spouse receiving the lesser number of
votes will be disqualified as a nominee.
The annual election to fill the vacancies in the Active
Diaconate shall be held on the third Sunday in September.
Election shall be by secret written ballot. Those ten nominees
receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared
elected to a full term. The nominees receiving the next
highest number of votes shall be declared elected to any
unexpired term vacancies with the nominees receiving the
107
higher number of votes being elected to the vacancies with
the longest remaining term of service. In the event of ties
those nominees involved shall be submitted to the Church for
election by secret written ballot on the fourth Sunday in
September.
The vote shall be counted by a Counting Committee
comprised of Deacons whose term is expiring on the 1st day
of October of the current year, with the Chairperson of the
Counting Committee being the Chairperson of the Active
Diaconate, if such person qualifies for the Counting
Committee, but if such person fails to qualify then the
Chairperson of such committee shall be appointed by the
Chairperson of the Active Diaconate from among such
quahfied persons.
Each newly elected Deacon must be ordained by the
Church in a regular worship service. The pastor will provide
leadership and direct the service. Following ordination all
newly elected Deacons shall be installed into the body of
Deacons.
Newly elected Deacons shall take office as of the 1st day
of October, at which time the terms of the Deacons which
they succeed expire.
Lifetime Deacons are Deacons elected as such by
the Church in conference by the majority of the members
present following nomination by the Active Diaconate.
A Lifetime Deacon is an officer of the Church who has
distinguished himself or herself in Christiein service. Lifetime
Deacons shall have the same rights and privileges, including
voting rights, as members of the Active Diaconate.
The regular meeting of the Active Diaconate shall be
held on the second Monday of each month unless otherwise
chsuiged by a vote of the Active Diaconate.
The Active Diaconate shall elect annually by secret
written ballot, foUowing nominations from the floor, at the
first regular meeting following the annual election of
Deacons, a Chairperson, a Vice-Chgiirperson and a Secretary
to serve for one year or imtil replaced by vote of the Active
Diaconate.
Deacons shall at all times reg£ird themselves as servants
of the Church. With the pastor, and as the Holy Spirit may
direct, they are to consider and make recommendations to
the Church in all matters pertaining to its Work and
progress, including oversight of the discipline of the Church
and establishment and maintenance of spiritual fraternal
relations with all members of the Church. They shall assist
108
the pastor in the observance of the ordinances; have general
oversight over the upkeep, repair and use of property (with
proper respect for the responsibilities of the Church
trustees), supervise the financid program of the Church.
They shall arrange for regular meetings and such committees
as are necess£iry to the discharge of their duties. The pastor,
or the chairperson of the deacons, may call the deacons into
special session whenever need for such arises.
C. Trustees
For the Church year beginning October 1, 1978 there
shall be three persons elected to serve as trustees. Persons
now serving as trustees shall serve until these trustees Eire
duly elected by the Church in conference. At all times there
shall be three trustees who are to hold in trust all Church
property for the benefit of those members of the Church who
adhere and submit to the regular order of the Church and
who follow the established usages, customs, doctrines,
practices and organization of the Church, together with its
connections with other denominational bodies whether a
majority or a minority of the membership. The trustees shall
execute all contracts, deeds, mortgages or other instruments
when authorized to do so by the Church in conference. The
trustees shall serve for an indefinite term and until their
successors are duly elected by the Church in conference.
Upon the death, resignation, or inability to serve by any of
the trustees a successor sheill be elected by the Church in a
conference called for this purpose.
D. Clerk
The clerk shEiil be elected annually upon recommenda-
tion of whatever committee is estabhshed to recommend the
Church officers. It shall be his responsibility to attend or be
represented at all church business meetings, to keep £in
accurate record of all business transactions, to prepare the
annual associational letter and to see that it is properly
transmitted to the associational clerk, and he shall notify all
officers, members of committees and messengers of their
election or appointment; he shall issue letters of dismission
as authorized by the Church, preserve all papers and
valuable records and letters that belong to the Church, and
preserve a true history of the Church, keeping same in a safe
place. It shall be the duty of the clerk to see that an accurate
roll of the church membership is kept, the dates and methods
of admission and dismissal, change in name, correct mailing
address and other pertinent information about each member.
109
E. Treasurer
The Church shall elect a treasurer annually. One who has
served previously in this position will be eligible for
re-election. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive,
keep in a hank, £ind disburse by check upon proper authority
aU. money or things of value that £ire given to the Church in
accordance with instructions from the Church. He shall keep
at all times an itemized account of all receipts and
disbursements; rendering an account regularly to the Church
to be preserved by the church clerk. The treasurer's books
shall be audited at least once a year as arranged by the
Church, £ind aU books, records and accoimts kept by him
shadl be the property of the Church. The treasurer shall upon
invitatic meet with the deacons, and shall be an ex-officio
member of the Finance Committee and of the Budget
Committee .
ARTICLE VII. CHURCH GOVERNMENT
SECTION 1. The government of this Church shall be
congregational in nature and shall be vested in the
membership.
SECTION 2, Church Conference: A church conference shall
be held on Wednesday night of each month following the
regular meeting on the deacons and at such other times as
may be necessary. In addition to stated conferences, a
conference of the Church may be called at any time by the
pastor and chairperson or deacons, or upon the request of the
Church.
SECTION 3. Moderator: The pastor or chairperson of
deacons shall preside over church conference as moderator.
In their absence the vice-chairperson of the deacons shall
preside and in such person's absence, the chairperson of the
deacons shall name some other member of the Church in
Good standing to assume this responsibility.
SECTION 4. Quorum: A quorum shall consist of not less
than five percent of the adult members of the Church, except
for the election or dismissal of Church officers or amendment
to the Church Constitution, ten percent. For the call or
dismissal of a pastor, twenty-five percent of the adult
members of the Church shall be necessary to constitute a
quorum.
Section 5. Minutes: The church clerk shall keep minutes
of each business meeting Eind shall record the approximate
number present, whether a quorum present and what actions
were taken by the Church.
110
SECTION 6. Vote: Any vote provided for by this
Constitution shall be only by those members present at the
time such vote is called for.
ARTICLE VIII. AFFILIATION
SECTION 1. This Church is a free, autonomous,
independent body, congregational in nature with authority to
determine for itself in the manner set forth in this
Constitution, free of any outside control, authority or power,
whether governmental or otherwise, the use of its property
and all church poHcies.
SECTION 2. Association: The Church recognizes the
value £ind mutual helpfulness in the voluntEiry association of
churches which are in such agreement in faith £ind practice
as to make possible a spirit of fellowship and good will. It is
recognized that association and cooperation between such
churches will influence the missionary, educational and
benevolent interest of each other. The Church does,
therefore, declare its intention as far as conscience will allow
to work in mutual cooperation with other Baptist groups.
SECTION 3. Affihation: Upon the adoption of this
Constitution this Church shall be deemed to have affiliated
itself with the Little River Baptist Association.
SECTION 4. Cooperation: Upon adoption of this Constit-
ution this Church shall be deemed to be in friendly
cooperation with the aims and purposes of the Baptist State
Convention of North Carolina and of the Southern Baptist
Convention as set forth in the Constitution of these
autonomous bodies and through duly elected messengers will
participate in their deUberative assembUes, and shsdl as we
are able, support the missionary, benevolent £ind educationsd
programs of each.
SECTION 5. Discontinueince of Affiliation and/or Cooper-
ration. The calling of a church conference for the purpose of
voting on withdrawal from affiliation from the Little River
Baptist Association and/or discontinuance of cooperation with
the Baptist State Convention £ind/or the Southern Baptist
Convention will require that written notice be sent to each
resident member of the Church, stating the purpose and time
of said conference. Action to withdraw to be v£ihd must be
CEirried by vote of two-thirds of the members present and
voting; in which cause transferral of property shall be
effected in accordance with the will of the two-thirds
majority. In the event of serious rupture in fellowship at this
point and the necessity of such action as above set forth, it is
111
expected that the various factions of the Church will sit down
in Christian love and in the spirit of prayer £ind seek to
effectuate reconciliation of £in agreeable basis of division,
each being mindful of the Beatitude which says, "Blessed
are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."
ARTICLE IX. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. This Constitution shall be considered
adopted and in immediate effect if and when two-thirds of
the members present at the business meeting at which vote
is taken shall vote in favor of same. This vote shall be taken
not less than thirty days after formal presentation of the
Constitution to the Church, and notice of such meeting in
which the vote is to be talien shall be given at least one week
in advance.
SECTION 2. This Constitution may be amended, altered
or repealed by a two-thirds vote of the members present at
any regular business meeting of the Church; provided,
however, that such amendment, alteration or repeal shall
have been given to the clerk in wiiting; and the proposed
change shall have been presented to the Church at least
thirty days prior to the time the vote is taken.
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I. MEETINGS
The Church shall hold regular services of worship on
Sundays and Wednesday evenings unless otherwise agreed
upon by the Church. The Lord's Supper shall be observed at
least once a quarter at a time approved by the Church.
ARTICLE II. OTHER CHURCH OFFICERS
SECTION 1. All church officers subject to annued
election shall be elected during the month of September.
SECTION 2. In addition to those named in the body of
the Constitution, other officers of the Church shall be a
Financial Secretaiy, Sunday School Director, Training Union
Director, President of the Brotherhood, Director of the
Woman's Missionary Union, Minister of Education, Minister
of Music, Pianist, Organist, and such other officers as may
be necessary and desirable. AH officers of the Church and its
organizations, unless otherwise specified, shall be elected for
a term of one year, and upon the recommendation of the
Nominating Committee, it being understood, of course, that
members of the Church may offer substitute nominations for
£iny position for which the Nonriinating Committee makes
nominations.
112
ARTICLE III. DUTIES OF CHURCH OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Minister of Education. The Minister of
Education sheill assist the pastor in the administration of the
Church program, with involvement in worship, visitation and
other duties. Sh£ill formulate and implement a strong church
school program in cooperation with the Sunday School
Director, approved and supported by the Church; Shall
formulate £ind implement a strong church training program in
cooperation with the Training Union Director, approved and
supported by the Church; Shall assist in developing plans
and programs to more actively involve the youth in the
functions and activities of the Church. Shall assist in
developing programs and activities to aid and strengthen
other organizations of the church; Shall encourage and assist
in developing such other programs and activities as would
increase and enlarge the outreach, growth and effectiveness
of the Church.
SECTION 2. Minister of Music. The Minister of Music
shall be responsible for providing worshipful music at all
services. He (or she) is to trsiin and direct the choir, or
choirs, and is to cooperate with the pastor and other church
leaders in the selection of suitable music, 2uid the devising of
appropriate musical programs for all occasions where such
services are needed.
SECTION 3. Financial Secretary. The Financial Secretary
sheill receive the empty offering envelopes after the money
has been removed and counted by the proper person(s); and
from these he shall give each contributor individual credit as
provided in the record system approved by the Church. He
shall keep the envelopes for references as the Church directs.
He shall keep record of the receipts from envelopes, plate or
loose, and miscellaneous or special offering. The Fingmcial
Secretary shall also be responsible for preparing and mailing
regul8ir statements to all contributing members as the Church
directs.
SECTION 4. Sunday School Director. The Director of the
Sunday School shall have gener£il oversight of the entire
school, and shall administer its affairs in cooperation with,
and according to, the plans and methods of the Sunday
School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, subject to
the approval of the local Church. He shall acquEiint himself
with the best methods of rehgious education and endeavor to
adopt them in this school.
It shall be his duty to counsel weekly or monthly with his
teachers and officers through officers' and teachers' meetings
giving advice and receiving suggestions from his co-workers.
113
He shaU see that a full and accurate report is made of the
work of the Sunday School in the regular business meetings
of the Church.
SECTION 5. Training Union Director. The Training
Union Director sheJl have chso-ge of the activities of the
TrEiining Union. He shall acquEiint himself with the program
and methods outlined by the Sunday School Board of the
Southern Baptist Convention for this organization and shall
endeavor to adopt such programs in this Church, subject to
the approval of the Church. He shall see that a fuU and
accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of
the Church.
SECTION 6. President of the Brotherhood. The President
of the Brotherhood shall promote the work of the Brother-
hood as outlined by the Brotherhood Commission of the
Southern Baptist Convention, seeking to enhst the men of the
church in an active progreun for Christ. He shall see that a
full and accurate report is given at the reguleu- business
meetings of the Church.
SECTION 7. Director of the Woman's Missionary Union.
The Director of the Womsm's Missionary Union sheill seek to
enlist the girls and women of the Church in a program of
missionary training, giving, and activity according to plans
promoted by the Woman's Missionary Union, Auxiliary to the
Southern Baptist Convention. She shall see that a full and
accurate report is given at the regular business meetings of
the Church.
SECTION 8. Pianist. The Pianist shall play for public
services and shfJl assist the Minister of Music in a suitable
program of music for the Church.
SECTION 9. Organist. The Organist shall play for public
services and sheJl assist the Minister of Music in a suitable
progrEim of music for the Church.
ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
SECTION 1. Standing Committees and Councils. The
Church shall elect such standing committees and councils as
may be deemed necessary to carry out the various phases of
the program of the Church efficiently £uid effectively. In einy
event, the Church shedl have at all times the following
stEuiding committees: Nominating, Budget and Finance,
Building Maintenance, Grounds Maintenance, Personnel,
Baptism, Lord's Supper, Music, Librsu-y, Ushers, Flowers,
Tr£insportation, Publicity, Missions, Church Ministries, Food
Service, Radio £uid Visual Aids, Literature, Recreation,
Forward Program, Nursery Correlating, Youth Activities, Cub
114
Scouts and any addition£il committees and councils deemed
necessary for the proper function of the Church.
SECTION 2. Temporary Committees. The Church upon
recommendation by the deacons may elect at any time
committees to perform temporary functions.
SECTION 3. Nominating Committee. The Nominating
Committee previously elected by the Church and presently
serving shall make nominations for the church yeeir beginning
October 1, 1978. For Church years subsequent to the Church
year beginning October 1, 1978, the Pastor and Chairperson,
Vice-Chairperson, eind Secretary of the Active Diaconate
together shall appoint two men and two women, designating
one of them as chairperson to serve as the nucleus of the
Nominating Committee. They in turn shall select nominees
for Sunday School Director, Training Union Director, Pre-
sident of the Brotherhood and Director of the Womsm's
Missionary Union. Names of the nominees shgJl be placed
before the Church for election in June of each yeeir.
(Nominations from the floor sheill not be precluded.) Upon
election, these four officers shall, together with the above
mentioned nucleus and the Chairperson of the Active
Diaconate, form the Nominating Committee to nominate and
present to the Church all other officers, committees £ind
councils of the Church, except as otherwise provided for by
this Constitution. The Nominating Committee shall designate
one person as chedrperson of each committee or coimcU. One
half of the nucleus shall rotate off each year. The Pastor,
Chairperson of the Active Diaconate and Secretary of the
Active Diaconate together shall make appointments to fill all
vacancies occuring in the nucleus, making certain that there
are Eilways two men and two women in the group, that none
succeeds himself or herself, and that a Chairperson is
designated each year. The Pastor of the Church shall be an
ex-officio member of the Nominating Committee. The
committee shall serve throughout the year to fill all vacancies
that occur.
ARTICLE V. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. These By-Laws shall be considered adopted
and in immediate effect if and when a majority of the
members present at the business meeting at which vote is
t£iken shall vote in favor of same. This vote shall be taken not
less than thirty days after formgJ presentation of the By-Laws
to the Church.
SECTION 2. These By-Laws may be amended, altered or
repealed by a majority vote of the members present at any
regulgir business meeting of the Church, provided, however,
115
that notice and proposEil of such amendment, alteration or
repeed must be given in writing at the preceding regular
business meeting of the Church.
ARTICLE VI. RULES OF ORDER
The Church does hereby adopt Roberts' RULES OF
ORDER as the authority to be used in the conduct of its
parliamentary procedures.
ARTICLE VII. VALIDATE
SECTION 1. The adoption by the Church of this
Constitution and By-Laws shall repeal aU previously adopted
rules in conflict herewith, provided, however, that no actions
taken by the Church prior to this date shall be invalidated by
the adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws.
SECTION 2. A copy of this Constitution and By-Laws
shall be kept by the clerk at all times among his records and
another copy shall be kept in the church office and £ill
amendments to or revisions thereof shall be prepared by the
clerk and attached to copies of the Constitution and By-Laws
and made available to the church members generally upon
request.
Adopted August 27, 1978 in a regul£ir Church Conference
116
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