First Baptist Church, Greenville, Butler Co., AL ----------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with the USGenWeb policy of providing free information on the Internet, this data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other gain. Copying of the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged. ALGenWeb File Manager - Lygia Dawkins Cutts ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Wed, 11 Nov 1998 20:39:11 -0800 (PST) From: Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 23:40:59 EST First Baptist Church, Greenville, Butler Co., AL The following is an excerpt from Rev. J. W. Joyner's book, A History of the Baptists in Butler County ( 1819-1957). Surnames have been capitolized for easier visualization. Mildred Stinson Brown Gatesville, Texas ------------------------------------ FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH - GREENVILLE Just when this church was actually organized is not known. Two most authentic historical writers differ -- one gives the date as 1856 and the other as 1847. Professor John Buckner LITTLE, who lived in Greenville, wrote a history of Butler County. This history was published in 1885, and on page 87, Professor LITTLE had this to say, "Rev. Hansom LEE came into this part of God's vineyard in 1847 and held a meeting the Presbyterian Church, which resulted in the conversion of many sould into the Baptist faith of salvation." Professor LITTLE makes this statement on page 82, "The first church was erected on the spot that is now inclosed in the limits of the old cemetery, and it was in this church that Parson DULANEY expounded the Holy Scriptures to the colonist in his primitive style of deliver.: Mr. LITTLE further states, "All donominations in this vicinity used this house for some time." Perhaps the reaseon we become confused as to the date this church was organized is we think of the organizing of the church and the building of the house in which they worship as the same. Mr. LITTLE said, "They held their meetings (all dominations), used this house for some time." When Dr. L. L. GWALTNEY, J. G. REYNOLDS and O organized the Baptist Churchin Oaky Streak, the services were in the Methodist Church building, and ll the services of the Baptist Church wer held in the Methodist Church building until the Baptist build their house of worship. While we are not sure of the exact date organized, we know the First Baptist Church of Greenville has has a wonderful influence over the people of this section of Alabama, and it is of that influence we desire to record for future reference. For much of the early history of this church we turn to Dr. B. F. RILEY's "History of the Baptist in Alabama." On page 278 of RILEY's history we find that Rev. John E. BELL was pastor of this church in 1860. Rev. BELL was a graduate of Howard College. Rev. BELL moved to Georgiana where he lived until his death. He was the grandfather of Mrs. J. C. WATSON, who is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Georgiana. On page 315 of RILEY's history we find that J. B. HAWTHORN was called from the Greenville pastorate to a church in Selma. On page 358 we find that S. A. GOODWIN resigned this church and that B. H. CRUMPTON was called from the Pine Apple Church. In the year 1880, Alabama State Baptist Convention was held in this church, and that Ex-Governor WATTS was present and made a stirring addresss for disabled ministers. Mr. WATTS was a Butler County man and at one time a member of this church. In the year 1882, T. W. HART resigned as pastor and C. P. FOUNTAIN succeeded him. In the year 1889, Dr. B. H. CRUPMTON was recalled to this church, and the church in welcoming him back expressed a desired that his stay might be permanent and that his bones might be interred in their cemetery. In 1893, Rev. W. M. HARRIS was called to this church, and on page 475 in RILEY's history we find these words, "A strong, vigorous, forceful preacher, and enjoys an excellent opportunity for the display of his gifts in Greenville." While Dr. HARRIS was pastor of this church, the writer west as a messenger from Mt. Pleasant Church to Conecuh Association, meeting in the Greenville Church, and was entertained in the home of a member of the church by the name of KNIGHT. I have known personally all the pasotrs since HARRIS; all were good preachers and pastors, not only of this church, but in the work of the Association, as well. Following is a list of their names: L. M. BRADLEY, W. D. HUBBARD, Will TALIAFERO, W. M. BLACKWELDER, L. L. GWALTNEY, H. R. ARNOLD, C. M. PERRY, Joseph AVERY, and the present pastor, Otis WILLIAMS. From this church the following were ordained to the Gospel Ministry: E. M. STUART, Claude HAYGOOD, and Shepherd BRYANT. Fifty years ago the pastor's salary was $1,500.00 a year. Lst year the pastor's salary was $6,000.00, and money raised for all causes amounted to $35,296.00. This shows wonderful growth and speaks well for both pastor and members! The church has occupied three buildings. The first was a simple frame structure, and was replaced in 1891 with a handsome brick building. In 1932, under the leadership of H. R. ARNOLD, who was pastor at that time, and through the generosity of Mrs. Kate McMILLAN FUTCH, the church erected a lovely three- story brick educational building. Provision was made at this time to build the sanctuary at some of Georgian Colonial architecture. (A picture of this building is shown on another page.) This building was constructed and equipped at a cost of $2,000,000.00 and seats 600 persons in the sanctuary, and provides for an Adult Department of 225 persons. This church owns an adequate parking lot adjoining its premises, and the pastoruim, which is located at 210 Fort Dale Street. The growth of the church has been steady. Today its membership is 870, and the Sunday School, Training Union and Missionary Organizations enrollments are at an all-time high.