Memorial Baptist Church - Willimaston, NC - Baptist Churches on Waymarking.com

The following is taken from the church's website:

A Brief History of Memorial Baptist

Until 1870, there was no Missionary Baptist Church in Williamston. In that year, Mrs. Dennis Simmons and another lady of Baptist persuasion wrote to the Baptist State Mission Board and asked for assistance in establishing a church in Williamston. Two ministers were sent. They held a series of meetings which led to the establishment of a small congregation composed entirely of women. A Rev. Nelson was the first pastor although he did not reside in the community. For a number of years the group had no building of its own, and met in various places in the community.

In 1870, plans were made for the erection of a building. For several years the small group gave sacrificially for this purpose. Finally, a modest wooden structure was erected and dedicated in 1889 as Williamston Baptist Church.

Mr. Dennis Simmons, who united with the church that year, contributed much to its physical growth through his generous gifts. He built and gave a parsonage. Wings, rear rooms and a baptistry were added to the existing building. The first resident pastor was Dr. A. D. Cohen. During the pastorate of Dr. W. R. Burrell, who came to the church in 1915, the present sanctuary was erected. It was given by Mrs. Fannie B. Biggs, one of the oldest members of the church, and was dedicated on October 15, 1915.

Following Dr. Burrell's resignation in 1920, Rev.'s A. V. Joyner, R. L. Shirley, C. H. Dickey, and James H. Smith served until 1942, when Dr. Burrell returned for several years. It was during his second term as pastor that the first educational director was employed. Dr. Ira D. S. Knight (1945-1948) followed Dr. Burrell. During his ministry a mission church was begun and known as West End Baptist Church. The next pastor, Rev. Stewart B. Simms, remained until 1951. Rev. E. Gordon Conklin followed and was the church's leader through 1961. During his stay the present educational building was erected in 1957.

He was followed by Rev. John C. Gill, a faithful and dedicated servant in our community who resigned in 1969 and is now living in Raleigh.

The Rev. Jack Holt succeeded Rev. Gill and with his family moved into the new parsonage purchased by the church in 1969 at the corner of Church and Smithwick Streets just across from the church. Rev. Holt, a native of Winston-Salem, N.C. began his pastorate in June of 1969, and served as the church pastor through December 31, 1978.

In September 1979, the church called the Rev. Joseph L. Peterson who served as Pastor until May 1986. It was during this period of time that the sanctuary building underwent an extensive renovation which included structural changes, rewiring, new carpet, and a new baptistry.

Rev. Robbie Parker succeeded Rev. Peterson as pastor in August 1986. Since that time, the church has experienced growth and has expanded its outreach in the ares of a tape ministry, radio, cable TV audio broadcast of worship service, and a senior adult ministry. In 1989, with the opening of Vintage Inn Retirement Center, a weekly Bible study was provided by members from MBC. Baptist Men have been participating in worship services held at Green Acres Camp Grounds during the summer. In April 1996 the church conference voted to purchase the old Woman's Club Property on the corner of Church and Smithwick streets owned by the town of Williamston. On March 7, 1997 the Barnes House and property adjoining the church was purchased and is now used as Memorial Adult Education Center for Sunday School and special classes on Wednesday evenings. Also in 1997 MBC was incorporated under the name Williamston Memorial Baptist Church, Inc.

In 1998 the church embarked on an extensive building project. The project included expansion of the fellowship hall and choir room, new library, new offices, new Sunday School rooms, new bathrooms, and a new handicapped ramp. On Sunday October 17, 1999 a celebration and dedication of our newly remodeled facilities was held.

Throughout its one hundred and twenty-nine year history, Memorial Baptist Church has served as a beacon to the Williamston area. As we look to the twenty-first century, Memorial will continue to be a light leading the lost to Jesus Christ and ministering to their needs.

Date Built: 01/01/1915 Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque Service Times: Regular Services Sunday Early Worship 8:30 am Sunday School 9:45 am Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am Horizon-Casual Contemporary Service-2nd Sunday-Fellowship Hall 11:00 am Live Broadcast: WIAM AM 900 and FM 97.7 11:00 am Tape Delayed Broadcast Cable 68 2:00 pm Youth Meeting (Grades 7-12) 5:00 pm Monday Senior Saints 5:30 pm Wednesday Prayer-Sanctuary 7:00 am ZION Children's Choir (Sept.-May) 3:00 pm Fellowship Meal 6:00 pm Bible Study 7:00 pm Adult Choir Practice 7:45 pm Pre-School - Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 12 Noon Website: [Web Link] Church Address: 109 West Church Street Williamston, NC USA 27892

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