Whitmire First Baptist Church today.A special homecoming service was held Oct. 14 to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Whitmire First Baptist Church.
Whitmire First Baptist Church from the early 20th century.In addition to the “traditional dinner spread of any true Southern Baptist homecoming,” as described by church spokesperson LaVerne Brock, members presented a gift of appreciation to pastor Shannon Long and his wife, Loraine. Also, four church members were recognized for perfect attendance in Sunday school.
Ted Reed, who grew up Whitmire First Baptist and is a minister of music in Durham, N.C., provided special music with members of his family.
The church that would later become Whitmire First Baptist was constituted in 1787 as Lower Duncan’s Creek Baptist Church. In 1804, a wooden building was erected. In 1893, the first wooden church was built within the Whitmire town limits.
In 1903, the church changed its name to First Baptist Church of Whitmire. In 1916, the first brick structure was erected, and, in 1953, the church completed a major renovation.