Tallapoosa County AlArchives Photo Document.....Alexander City Baptist Church Founded In 1872 October 4, 1916 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Debra Crosby http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00010.html#0002467 September 7, 2017, 11:52 am Source: The Alexander City Outlook Wed Oct, 4, 1916 Page 20 Photo can be seen at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/al/tallapoosa/photos/documents/alexande2375ph.jpg Image file size: 363.2 Kb Alexander City Baptist Church Founded in 1872 and Has Had a Most Remarkable Career Career {By Rev. Arnold S. Smith} On the hill top where now stands the beautiful Herzfeld home in Alexander City, there stood in 1872, a little bush arbor. It was here that a few devout souls met for worship. {The village was then known as Youngsville.} It was under the little bush arbor that the first Baptist church was organized August 3rd, 1872. It was then known as the Youngsville Baptist church. It came later to be known as the Alexander City Baptist church. The organization began with a little band of eleven member. Rev. A. K. Tribble was the officiating minister and the church was duly constituted with the following charter members: A. M. Buckalew, Licentiate; B. B. Reams and J. T. P. Christian, Deacons; James Fincher, Craig Fincher, T. S. Christian, Sr., Mrs. B. B. Reams, Mrs. E. Cabiness, Mrs. M. A. Harrison, Mrs. T. S. Christian and Mrs. Sarah Parker. Of these only two are known to be living, viz: Mrs. T. S. Christian, of Alexander City, and Mrs. Sarah Parker, of Anniston. It was at the time of organization that T. S. Christian, Sr., was elected clerk of the church, which place he faithfully filled until his death less than three years ago. The followning pastors have served the church in the order given: Rev. A. K. Tribble, one year; Rev. J. R. Caldwell, two years; Rev. W. H. Carroll, one year; Rev. R. A. J. Cumbee, thirteen years; Dr. M. H. Lane, one year; Rev. Geo. E. Brewer, four years; Dr. W. E. Lloyd, nearly five years. The resignation of Dr. Lloyd went into effect October 1899, and the present pastor, Rev. Arnold S. Smith began his pastorate November of that year. It affords he pleasure to say of my predecessors that they were great and good men, marked by consecration to the cause of Christ and the work of his ministry. Of the seven pastors who preceded me, only three survive, namely: Brethren Caldwell, Cumbee and Brewer. It was during the administration of Bro. Caldwell, in 1873, that the name of the church was changed as indicated above. Deacon J. C. Maxwell writing concertin the church says: "In January 1877, Rev. R. A. J. Cumbee became pastor. Up until this time the church had been affilliated affilliated with the Tallapoosa River association, but desiring and seeking a larger field of usefulness, she united with the Central association that year. By November 1877, having grown in numbers and becoming stronger in faith and finances, the church had completed for her first house of worship, a substaintial frame building, at a cost of $1,000. "This was located on a part of the present church site, and was considered at that time a creditable building. Now equipped with a suitable home and a pastor with decided evangelistic power, the church took on a new life, organized a Sunday School and a Ladies Aid Society and began to make contributions to the various enterprises fostered by the denominations. "In February 1879, the church changed from one Sunday a month, as preaching day, to two Sundays a month. "In 1880 the Central association met with the church, again in 1897 and yet again in the fall of 1908. It was during the pastorate of Bro. Brewer that the pastor's home was built and the church prospered in many ways. During the administration of Dr. Lloyd a more compact and effective organization of the church was perfected and other good work accomplished. "The church became a member of the Tallapoosa County assosiation with it's organization at Jackson's Gap, September 11th, 1915. The Alexander City Baptist church has had a gradual increase in members and growth in efficiency. Development of organization has come along the line of need. Her present house of worship was completed in 1907, and full time preaching began the same year. The present membership numbers a little more than 400 and the church property is valued at $ 16,000. The Deacons, the Sunday School, the Woman's Missionary Society and Auxillary bands are all well organizedand are doing good work. The church is thoroughly loyal to the organized work of the denomination, and is liberal in her support of the cause at home and abroad. The pastor counts himself happy in having the co-operation of such a loyal band of efficient workers. The good hand of God marks the entire history of the church, and we are devoutly grateful to Him from whom all blessings flow. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/al/tallapoosa/photos/documents/alexande2375ph.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/alfiles/ File size: 5.4 Kb