The First Baptist Church of Southport meets two times each week. We have Sunday school for all ages at 10:00 each Sunday morning followed by the morning worship service in the main sanctuary which begins at 11:00. On Wednesday evening, we have our Bible Study and Prayer Meeting starting at 7:00.
Historical Overview of First Baptist Church
And I say unto thee that thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ~Matthew 16:18
The history of First Baptist church has been steadily falling onto place for many years. The members of this Church realize that they are extremely fortunate to have inherited such a sustained period of spiritual growth in kingdom living. They know and understand that many have labored vigorously throughout the church’s history and with the unwavering presence, help and comfort from the omnipotent power of God, the church will continue to thrive as edifice to Him. The members are also aware the journey has not always been smooth and without monumental challenges, but with God’s love, mercy and goodness, the challenges have been and will always be met. As the Church’s history is reviewed, one should be ever mindful of the fact that through the years there have been many obstacles, situations and milestones not described or referred to because of the absence of information. Nevertheless, records of the Middle District Association, Church minutes and records and a verbal historical account passed on to the Church through interviews with several of its senior members has produced a wealth of historical information related to First Baptist Church. It is from this information that the history of First Baptist Church has been documented and recorded. As a matter of record, the list of contributors to the verbal history of the Church includes: late members, Sisters Lottie Johnson, Ethel Butler, Hattie Gore, Maggie Bhivell and Deacon Eugene Gore. The actual beginning of the Church commenced in 1908 even though the corner stone of the church cites 1909 as the founding year. The reason being, it was in the year 1909 when God-fearing, dedicated and eloquent preacher by the name of Reverend McKay came to Southport and started conducting worship services in a cabin located on private property of a local matriarch. This rustic facility was converted into a Church and its members named it Mount Missouri. Later that year, there was a disputed between the property owner and the pastor and congregation following an evening service that led to a parting of ways. Consequently, Reverend McKay and the worshippers vacated the facility and started conducting services under a shed across the street from present sanctuary. It was also, during this time that an energetic minister from Winnabow area of Brunswick County came to continue the work he had started. His name was Reverend Castella Goodman. Reverend Castella Goodman spearheaded many positive changes, which included changing the name of the Church from Mount Missouri to First Baptist Church. It was named First Baptist because it was the first Baptist church to be established for African American Worshippers in Southport. This took place in the year 1909. Consequently, this is considered by members as the year First Baptist Church was founded. Serving as Deacons in the beginning years were: Cannan Williams, Robert Murry, nelson Vereen, Sip Galloway and George Clarida, Sr. In addition, it was also during the early years of First Baptist Church that the following brothers served as Deacons: Robert Evans and Julius Wilson. For a long period of time, First Baptist Church was the only Baptist church for African Americans in the Southport area. Everyone in the Baptist denomination worshipped together harmoniously. However, over a period of years turbulent and troubled times invaded the ranks of the church members. Some unsolved issues emerged and because they were not properly addressed, a division of the Church occurred. As a result, of the disturbance, those who were not able to resolve their differences left First Baptist Church to establish another Baptist Church. However, First Baptist Church continued to function. Deacons Williams, Clarinda, Galloway and newly ordained Shelly Williams, along with others dedicated member and well-wishers of First Baptist Church continued to serve God and so everything within their power to keep the Church functioning physically and spiritually. First Baptist Church continued to function. As evidence, a search of the minutes of the annual session of the Middle District Association covering a period around 1916 revealed that the church continued to grow and prosper even during trying times. After serving as pastor for 36 years, Reverend Castella Goodman died in 1945 and was succeeded by the following Pastors:
1945-1966 Reverend Lewis Boykins
1966-1971 Reverend Moses Herring
1971-1981 Reverend Olden Johnson
1981-1982 Reverend Alfonzo Fullwood
1982-1993 Reverend Luther J. Smalls
1993-1995 Reverend Ray C. Gilbert
1995-1996 (Vacant for 3 years)
1996- 2008 Reverend Malcom E. Lewis
2010- present Reverend Brian A. Monroe
In December 2000, the Church selected a very energetic and extremely capable God Sent Man as its pastor, Reverend Brian A. Monroe. Reverend Monroe has worked as interim pastor a First Baptist since 2008. Reverend Monroe is also a member of First Baptist and is well known in the community. The history would be incomplete without mentioning the fact that through the years there have been members of First Baptist Church who were called to the ministry. They include Reverend Devon Hewett, who served as assistant with Reverends Goodman and Boykins. Reverend Luke Jones graciously gave his services to help the church to run smoothly. Reverend Almond Lewis as elected assistant to Reverend Moses Herring. In later years Reverends Howard Davis, Sylvester Wortham, Richard Joyner, Eric Joyner heeded the call to the ministry. First Baptist Church has also ordained three ministers. They are Reverends Brain Monroe, Timothy Davis and Eva Holmes. It should also be noted that in addition to the deacons previously stated, the church has ordained the following through the years: Irvin Hewett, Eugene Gore, William Parker, Howard Cowan, James Smith, Willie Brown, Calvin Galloway, Sylvester Wortham and Harold McCoy. The present Deacon Board consist of Ronald Thompson, chairman, Howard Cowan, Harold McCoy and Ed Lewis. The present Trustees are Kevin Wearren, chairman, Ed Lewis, Ronald Thompson, Mervin Serieux and Dale Washington. The mission of the Church is enhanced by the following auxiliaries: Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Sunday School, Usher Board, Missionary Circle, Youth Missionary, Pastor’s Aide Club, Senior Choir, L.J. Smalls Gospel Choir Young Adult Choir and Youth Choir. Even though the names of many brothers and sisters have been stated in this historical overview, there are many others whose names are not mentioned. Within their ranks, there aare the Unsung Christian Soldiers who have contributed immensely to First Baptist Church and its ministry through the years. Many have passed on; however, The Church Family is extremely blessed to have many in its ranks today.
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First Baptist Church is a friendly, welcoming place where you will feel at home. Our worship services bring inspiring music, informative teaching and preaching. An atmosphere where you can experience the presence and power of God.