ROBERTSDALE — As the city of Robertsdale continues to celebrate its Centennial, one of the oldest churches in the city, the First Baptist Church, will also celebrate its 100th anniversary with festivities planned for Sunday, Nov. 7.
Weather permitting, church services will begin at 10 a.m. outside, led by the Rev. Jeff Copeland, who has served as pastor since 1999 and special guest Rev. Stanley Cruse, who served as pastor from 1989 to 1998.
“It’s an exciting celebration for our church as we reflect upon our wonderful history in Central Baldwin County doing Gospel work,” Copeland said. “This church has been a big part of the city and the city a big part of the church and we just hope the community will come out and celebrate with us.”
Inside the church will be a historic section filled with photos from the church’s past.
There will also be a special presentation during the service featuring a historic conversation between the Rev. B.M. Barnette and the Rev. J.E. Barnes, who helped organize the church as the First Missionary Baptist Church of Robertsdale on Aug, 28, 1921.
In the early days, the members met one Sunday each month for worship services. A different pastor tended each service.
On his designated Sunday, the pastor would preach two sermons and his salary was whatever amount was collected. In 1923, the church voted to give pastors a salary of $15 a month.
Until 1929, the congregation met at various locations, including the home of charter member Betty Middleton, the Methodist Church, the Christian Church, the local schoolhouse, and the Masonic Lodge. Sunday School was held at the Nix home and later the first floor of the Masonic Lodge.
Land was purchased in 1924 at a cost of $250 across the street from the schoolhouse, the current location of Robertsdale City Hall.
The membership was given the option of purchasing the old schoolhouse in 1928, but opted to build their own church building, which was completed in 1929.
The church’s first fulltime pastor, the Rev. Clarence Younce, began preaching the second and fourth Sunday of every month in 1933. The next year he began preaching every week.
An addition was added in 1940 and a two-story Sunday School was added in 1949.
In 1954, with a membership of 459, the church became known as the First Baptist Church of Robertsdale.
A new two-story educational building was added in 1964. A new sanctuary was built in 1975, followed by a family life center. In 2008, the church moved to its current location on Alabama 104.
A meal will be provided following the service. Childcare will be provided for ages birth to 5 years. Those wishing to attend should dress comfortably and bring a chair.
For more information visit firstrobertsdale.com or the First Baptist Church of Robertsdale page on Facebook.
