history

On March 20, 1892, 61 people met in a store building on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sherman Street for the purpose of organizing a church. Because of their strategic location between the First Baptist Church of Decatur and the First Baptist Church (now 16th Avenue Baptist Church) of New Decatur, they chose the name Central Baptist Church.

After organization plans were completed, the group called Rev. W. M. Blackwelder to serve as its first pastor. He was assisted by Rev. J. R. Schram. A Board of Deacons was created immediately, to care for the business affairs of the church.

An early budget showed figures of $60 a month, including the $10 a month set aside as the salary of its first pastor. The State Baptist Board sent aid to the young church for a time in the amount of $36.50 per quarter. A financial report for 1893 showed total collections through the Sunday School as $43.86 with expenditures of $43.48 leaving a balance of $.34. The average attendance for that year was listed as 49.

For two years after the church was organized the congregation held services in a store building on Grant Street. The Decatur Land Company donated lots for the building of churches, and the one given to Central Baptist Church was at the corner of 6th Avenue and Gordon Drive. Because church members desired a more central location, the Decatur Land Company gave to them the lot on the corner of 4th Avenue and Grant Street, the present site of the church. In 1893 the lot first given to them was sold for $500.

The financial panic of 1893 slowed up work on the building program and it was not until 1894 that the congregation started meeting in the first building of the Central Baptist Church, a building 75 by 38 feet. On the third anniversary of the church, March 30, 1895, records show that the Building Committee gave a report on the cost of the building. The total cost of the first building was $3,855.71 including $1,000 as the cost of the lot donated by the Decatur Land and $500 received from the first lot given to them. Even at this cost there was financial trouble in meeting a note on the building.

Records reveal that a majority of the adult membership voted to borrow $500 from a loan company in Birmingham to pay off the note. On September 25, 1894, members of this church passed a resolution to become incorporated under statute laws of Alabama and elected trustees to serve terms of five years.

As early as January 1896 the church decided upon a policy concerning one of its ordinances. The first Sundays in January, April, July and October were set aside as Communion Days.

Whenever a need arises, Central Baptist Church always tried to meet that need. This was also true in early years. As the church continued to grow additional educational space was needed. In 1948 an annex to the church was constructed at a cost of approximately $50,000. This building also houses the kitchen and banquet hall.

Not many years had passed until Central Baptist Church was again in need of additional facilities. The beginning of this new building program was marked with the renovation of the auditorium into a beautiful center of worship. While this was completed in 1959, plans were already being made for a children’s building. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held at the close of morning worship on Sunday, January 14, 1962, with Mrs. L. M. Black, a long-time worker with juniors, turning the spade of dirt for the proposed four-story $341, 485 building.

This long-dreamed-of building is now a reality. We moved into its quarters the first Sunday of this year. Adding approximately 28,000 sq. ft. of floor space to the church plant, it houses all children through twelve years of age. In addition, the married young people meet there. Being equipped with heating, air-conditioning, and elevator, this building helps meet the needs of our children by further providing built-in nursery accommodations.

The children’s building was officially named by the church—the Sivley Building—in honor of W. E. Sivley, Sr. who taught junior boys at Central for 38 years. At 3:00 this Sunday, Dr. A. Hamilton Reid who is executive secretary for Alabama Baptists, will deliver the dedicatory message in the church auditorium. The public is cordially invited to this Homecoming event.

The financial growth of any organization is always one of great significance. Let’s take a look at the spiritual development of Central through its gifts. An early budget showed figures of $60 a month including $10 a month set aside as the salary of its first pastor. The State Baptist Board sent aid to the young church for a time—giving $36.50 per quarter. In these early years the accounts of the church were divided into three categories: Pastor’s salary, current expenses, and missions. Different committees were responsible for the collection and handling of each account. Many of the pledges were late and pastors usually stayed behind in the receipt of their salaries—sometimes salaries were even reduced because of lack of funds.

Whenever a pastor was called to another church it was usually necessary to canvass the membership to make up enough money to cover the amount still owed to the pastor. Central Baptist Church with its numerical growth also grew financially. Today it is its largest budget in history, $171, 383. A look at the financial report tells one of the many avenues of service. Through its giving program, members of Central Baptist Church are able to tell to the entire world the story of our Savior.

No group can be stronger than the one who leads it. Central Baptist Church has been fortunate to have great men of God as its spiritual leaders. During the 71 years of its history the church had 17 pastors. During the first ten years of existence five different men served as pastor. Twelve served in this capacity during the first 35 years; five in the last 36 years. These were: Dr. James Allen Smith, Dr. John C. Cowell who passed away suddenly in 1944 while still pastor of Central, Dr. Paul Roberts, Rev. C. E. Burton and Dr. A. B. Van Arsdale better known as Brother Van, he led the congregation to grow into one of the largest churches in the state as well as into one of this city’s chief assets in promoting Christianity.

The Sunday School, known as the Bible teaching organization of the church, has been one of continual growth. The 1893 report showed an average attendance of 49. Three years later the report showed a church membership of 106. One hundred were enrolled in Sunday School with an average of 75.

Through these years the Sunday School has reached an all-time high enrollment exceeding 1400 with an average weekly attendance of over 800.

The Training Union, known as the “training in church membership” phase of the church, has also grown over the years. Early records show that in 1909 the then BYPU had an average attendance of 50.

At the 75th anniversary of the church in 1967, a reception was held honoring those who had gone out from Central Baptist Church in service for the Lord. There were 61 names on the list at that time. Some of these have retired and now serve back at Central.

The main auditorium was remodeled in 1976 and at that time more facilities were installed for the television ministry, which began in 1965. Radio broadcasts were started in 1937.

The next pastor was Mike Dawson who served for eight years. It was during his tenure that the city-wide Starlight Crusade was held in Ogle Stadium.

Dr. Bob Carpenter, a pastor whose life was cut short by his death. It was during his pastorate that the building campaign “Not equal giving, but equal sacrifice” was launched.

At two different times Dr. Roy Edgemon served two-year intervals between pastors. He and Anna Marie made quite an impact on Central Baptist Church.

Mark Tolbert followed as the next pastor and remained for seven years before going back to Arkansas. During his tenure, promotion on the plan for the expansion of church facilities continued and failed in part.

Dr. Rob Jackson is one of many preachers who filled Central’s pulpit. God called him as pastor of Central Baptist Church and the membership confirmed that call. Today because of his leadership and his following God’s direction, we are in the midst of “Mission Possible.” We as members of Central Baptist Church with our faithfulness and sacrifice will determine the future of this church. Remember that the word “central” has several meanings. Our church has as its theme to make God “central” in the lives of our own membership as well as those who need to accept Him.

Music has played a great part in the ministry of Central Baptist Church with many great leaders. Many different programs have enhanced our worship. We’ve seen the results of our long-running Singing Christmas Tree presentations. Central hosted a Singing Christmas Tree, during one week-end of the Christmas season. Guests came from everywhere. Steps to form a tree were built outside the church and choir members stood and sang in the cold weather while those passing by paused to listen. It was in 1926 that Mary Simpson proposed to erect a pipe organ. Some of you will remember how Bill Carner patched it with chewing gum. An electronic organ took its place until Mrs. Nina Cline gave the pipe organ we use today.

Great youth programs have been a part of the life of Central. Could we ever forget David McKelvey working with them and filling in so many different places? I could name many whose lives were so dedicated to Central Baptist Church, but, the list would go on and on.

Educational directors, associate pastors, and other staff members have been a blessing and added to the dedication and growth of Central. We have had some great secretaries and some who have retired and still worshiping with us. Never could we forget the volunteers throughout the years. Originally they were the ones who did all of the secretarial work.

Missions have always played a tremendous part in the program of Central Baptist Church. Missionaries who have served and still are serving on the fields have blessed the work of Central. Look at our record of giving to Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong and to all of those who go on mission and construction trips.

During these years, the church has bought property, paved lots, remodeled, refurbished, added staff members and experienced growth. A great host of people have been a part of the ministry of proclaiming the Gospel here, numbers of them have gone on to be with the Lord, a number of them scattered all over our country and the world as they serve Christ—and a large number are here today praising God for his blessings of the past and of the present and with a vision for the future.

If the walls of Central Baptist Church could talk, you would hear the conversations and prayers of those early saints who had a vision and sacrificed to make it become a reality.


Written by Eva Nell Hunter July 2008
Revised slightly 2010