About us

 

      One hundred sixteen years ago, First Baptist Church was born. In its wake, there have been challenges and successes, tears, and joys, battles and triumphs. Yet through it all, First Baptist Church has survived through the grace and love of God.

      

 In 1898, a few Christians banded together and made a dream a reality through their faith, their hard work. They organized a church, which they called Macedonia Baptist Church. It was not air- conditioned, it was not centrally heated, and it was not adorned with fine furniture and trappings. Instead, it was a simple sawmill shed situated on the side of the road.

 

       The Rev. P.W. Diggs was the first pastor of this humble new church under his leadership and through his vision, there was a rapid growth both in membership and in physical improvements.  The church moved from bush harbor into a building. Rev. Diggs was a pillar in the foundation. In November 1925, God called him from labor to reward.

 

        Rev. C.C. Rogers, a young and great leader, succeeded Rev. Spratley In 1941. During his three years, Rev. Rogers rendered First Baptist Church faithful service as a great organizer and builder.

 

        In 1944, Rev. G.T. Rouson, a public school teacher and a great preacher, was called to First Baptist Church. During his administration, six deacons were added to the board: Walter Britt, Roger Joyner, Doe Vincent , Conrad Boykins, Oaklis Smith, and Lorena Britt. Rev. Rouson continued the spiritual and physical growth of the church.

 

       In 1958, Rev. M.M. Turner assumed the patoralship. Rev. Turner is not only remembered for his great ability to deliver God1s message but he is also remembered because of his belief in the spiritual growth of young people. Thus, he instituted First Baptist Church`s First Vacation Bible school. The Board of Trustees was also organized during this administration. The first trustees were P.D. Vann, William Engram, Sr., and Alphonso Darden.

 

        In 1961, Rev. Lawrence I. Beale came to First Baptist Church. He was an enthusiastic, young, spiritually empowered minister with an optimistic mind. His leadership has been reflected in our many accomplishments: the organization of the Junior Choir, the Women`s Auxiliary, the Junior Deacon Board, the Junior Missionary Circle, and the creation of the Tithe and Pledge System. Under his leadership, the church membership grew. Coming to us Cedar Grove Baptist Church, as deacons, were C.C. Wilson, George R. Brown, and Matthew Rawlings, all of whom were made members of the newly organized junior Deacon Board.  In June 1968, Rev. Beale offered his resignation to accept a higher calling.

 

     In 1969, the Rev. Charles R. Barnes was called as pastor. He came to continue the foundation laid by his predecessors. The church grew spiritually and physically.  Under his leadership, George R. Brown, Mathew Rawlings, James Gatling, John I. Bailey, earl T. mason, Sr., and P.D. Vann were ordained as deacons. Armond Boykins., Leona Brewer, Annie L. Scott and Brenda Warren were appointed as trustees. The Men`s Choir, the Deaconess Board, the Community Chorus, the Inspirational Choir, and the main Chorus were organized. Rev. Barnes successfully led First Baptist Church in expanding its facilities: a new pastor`s study, new finance room, the enlargement of the choir area, completion of the bathrooms, the painting of the church`s interior, the addition of a new fellowship hall, the installation of a central air conditioning unit, and the renovation of the church`s front, In addition, new vestibule was added, pews were padded, a new organ was purchased, a sound system was installed , and the exterior of the church was bricked. Rev. Barnes was a loyal and dedicated pastor for thirty years. He was truly a great pastor, administrator, and leader, His pastoralship ended with his passing on April 11, 1999, when God called him home from labor to reward.

 

       In 2000, the Rev. Rodney N. Tolbert was called as pastor.  Under his leadership, membership increased in the church, in the Sunday school, and in Bible Study. First Baptist Mass Choir and the Sunshine Choir were organized. The First Baptist Church handbook was created and approved with modifications. “Strategy for Effective Living Ministries” was broadcast on radio station AM 940 on     Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. The church`s administrative staff increased by adding Rev. John Bailey as Associate Minister, Rodney Wilson as deacon, and Catherine Wilson as a trustee. A new sound system was purchased under Rev. Rodney Tolbert’s administration. His service ended in 2002.

 

      In 2003, the Rev. Michael Vines, Sr. was called as pastor in January. Under his tenture, Deacon George R. Brown was appointed Chairman of the Deacon`s Ministry. William Engram, Jr., and Willie Price were appointed trustees. Joining Rev. John L. Bailey was Rev. Isaac Parker who was appointed as Associate Minister. Rev. Vines` pastoralship ended on November 14, 2004.

 

      On February 12, 2006, Tracy Bradshaw was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church.

 

      In July 2006, Rev. Robert E. Gay, Sr., became the pastor. He organized the Women`s Ministry and rejuvenated the Male Chorus originally created under Rev. Charles R. Barnes. In addition, under Rev. Gay`s tenure, Nathaniel Key was appointed as church trustee. John Pearson and Joseph Person were ordained as deacons.

 

      Beautifications were made to the interior and exterior of the church. Old light fixtures in the sanctuary were replaced with new ones; a sidewalk was placed in front of the church. A church sign/bulletin board was purchased with a generous donation from Bro. Wilbur Myrick.

 

      In December 2007, the church had a Mortgage Burning Ceremony during the church Anniversary Service to celebrate the major accomplishment of paying off the balance on the church note. New doors were installed; linoleum was placed in several rooms. A computer for the Finance Room was purchased with a donation from Mr. and Ms. Reuben Parker. The Women`s Auxiliary and Missionaries Circle donated fifty Pew Bibles to the church. Rev. Robert Gay`s patoralship ended  in December 2008.

 

     In 2009, Debra Slade, David Davis and Ernest Wilson were appointed as trustees.

 

     In March 2011, the Rev. Anthony L. Nutt was called as pastor. During his tenure at the First Baptist Church, membership and Sunday School steadily increased. Rev. Nutt instituted 5th Sunday Service, the Healthcare Ministry, and organized the Senior and Combined Choir.  Under Rev. Nutt`s leadership, four deacons were added to the church, Deacon Henry Battle, the William Engram, III, Nathanial Key and Willie Spicer. Rev. Nutt added a financial secretary to assist the Trustee Board.  In addition, the Praise Dance Ministry was instituted. Rev. Anthony L. Nutt`s tenure as pastor ended in February 2012.

 

     March 10, 2013, Dr. Martin A. Powell was installed as Pastor of First Baptist Church Courtland. During his tenure, Dr. Powell has brought a spirit of unity through his servant – leadership style that has greatly benefited the Church. Under the leadership, the Deaconate has been fully trained, has enjoyed a smooth leadership transition, has assumed responsibility for the teaching ministry during Adult Sunday School, and manages the day-to- day concerns of the congregation. The Children’s Sunday School has been reinstituted and led by the First Lady, the Trustee Ministry has been strengthened through the implementation of a Service Standard, the Church has acquired its first- ever church bus – a twenty- nine passenger vehicle, and the Church has made history with the ordination of a Deaconess, with a focus on serving the sick, the women, the young ladies, and the children of the church. Dr. Powell continues to be a staunch advocate for the Untied Fellowship of Churches of Southampton County, encouraging the congregation`s participation in periodic fellowship events. In summary, Dr. Powell leads by example, shepherds with care, and believes that all of God`s Children can experience their unlimited potential in Jesus Chirst.