First Baptist Church in Headland Celebrating 150 Years

Matt Boster - Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 2242

Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Apr 23 2017 11:03 AM

HEADLAND:    This morning at 9:30 AM members, former members, guests and dignitaries joined together to celebrate and honor the vision GOD placed on 8 people's hearts 150 years ago. And that was to begin a fellowship in 1867 named " Baptist Church of Christ at Bethlehem". They met in a small rectangular wooden structure with wooden shutters, no heating and...get this...12 inch board pews with no backs.

On September 18, 1889 the church name was changed to the Baptist Church of Christ at Headland to allow a group of believers at a new church a few miles east of Headland to use the name Bethlehem as their church name.

In 1893 a new building was completed on what is now known as East Cleveland Street at the front of the present day cemetery.

February 3, 1906 the church voted to incorporate as "The Headland Missionary Baptist Church of Headland Ala." and was officially recognized as a religious corporation on February 26,1906.

It was in 1909 the church constructed a third new church building which became the chapel in 2007 upon completetion of the new worship center.

1935, 1947 Sunday School Annexes were added to the Chapel building.

1954 - the name was changed to First Baptist Church.

December 10, 1969 - the church was changed to "The First Baptist Church, Headland Ala." and the name was officially recognized on December 31, 1969.

1959, 1961 - additional facilities were constructed; Pastorium 1959 which is now the church offices, and the Educational Building in 1961.

1989 - the Children's Building was finished and the Television Ministry was started.

1991 - The ministries of the Child Development Center and Food Pantry started meeting needs in this area.

1995 - the Ministry Center was completed.

1996 - the Ministry Staff positions were realigned to meet the needs of the growing church family.

2007 - the newly constructed Worship Center was dedicated.

The pastor of The First Baptist Church in Headland is Dr. Cecil Sanders, Jr. He grew up in Dothan. He walks the Christian walk today, just as he did in high school. A man that GOD has had his hand on for many years.

The most important part of the history of the church is, it began with 8 people having a vision from GOD. Because they have remained faithful to GOD'S calling and purpose, today the church has 1,000 members. Many people have been ministered to and and accepted JESUS CHRIST in their lives as a result of the vision of 8 people.

Congratualtions to the membership, past and present, for remaining faithful to GOD'S calling and HIS purpose.

 

<- back