One hundred and twenty-five years ago, 31 people from Beaverdam Baptist Church met in mid-June at Huntsville, a few miles south of Clinton, with a dream of forming a new church. By the next May, they had organized as Clinton Baptist Church and constructed a wooden structure in which to worship at a cost of $2,600.
First Baptist Church, ClintonOn two Sundays in October and one in mid-November, First Baptist Church, Clinton, as the congregation is known today, will celebrate 125 years of “extending God’s love to all people” with special music by current and former musicians of the church, a homecoming service with testimonies by former members who are in full-time ministry positions, and a “retro day” with members donning vintage attire.
A commemorative logo, created especially in observance of its 125th anniversary, is being used throughout the year to announce special events and on commemorative materials and other specialty items.
The church’s first wooden structure was demolished shortly after the turn of the last century, and the congregation has since erected two brick worship facilities. The current sanctuary, dedicated in 1966, has been renovated recently to house both contemporary and traditional services and was rededicated this April.
Other additions through the years have included an educational building in 1938, a family life center in 1972, a bell tower in 1981, and another educational building in 1989.
The congregation began a strategic planning program in 2003, which has seen the renovation of the sanctuary, refurbishing of the organ, and the purchase of adjoining properties and three minibuses. Plans include constructing a new family life center.
The church’s resident membership now stands at approximately 660, with an average Sunday worship attendance of 408. Strong missions organizations at the church have resulted in youth and adults participating in Carpenters for Christ, World Changers, and international mission trips to Puerto Rico, Russia, Romania, Brazil and Honduras. A mission trip to Africa is in the planning process.
Thirteen ministers have served the Clinton congregation. The last two – J.H. Darr and Russell Dean – each served a quarter century or more. Current pastor Blake Harwell began his ministry there in 1998.