First Baptist Church of Center

Construction was begun in 1902 on the First Baptist Church of  Center.  M.B. (Barto) McLendon and E.R.Barrington were the building superintendents and donated their labor and skill. Pie smith was the architect.  W.O. Wilson was chairman of the building committee.  Rev. J.A. Smith served as Pastor.    C.C. Elliott was the first person to be baptized in the church baptistry.  Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Carriker were the first to put their letter in on the first Sunday service in this new building. Miss Eula Redditt and W.I. Davis, Sr., were the first couple married. The bell used in this building was transferred when a new brick church was in on the same site in 1951. The last service held in this building was Sunday night, March 4, 1951.

On June 8, 1949, the parsonage was moved from its address on Cora Street to Pecan Street.  Work began on the construction of the present building on Cora Street. The first worship service, in the new building, was held on March 11, 1951 with Dr. Chadwick .  This service brought an additional three professions of faith and twelve persons were baptized during the evening service.  Two former pastors, W.J. Rushing and Jeff Davis were invited to speak at this evening service.  A milestone of the church's history was recognized on February 4, 1962 honoring Dr. Carroll Chadwick for twenty years of service.

First Baptist Church of Center web site

Information on this site was taken from 25th Anniversary of our Pastor 1942-1967 and Christ Centered Century 1880 -1980.
Thanks to Leigh Rogers Porterfield for her assistance.