Second Anniversary

A photocopy of the article detailed below is all that has been located, so far, regarding the second anniversary of the church. It is marked 1948 and it is not indicated if the article was published in the Sentinel or another local paper: The copy isn't in the best shape, but it says:

The Lithia Springs First Baptist Church will observe the second anniversary of its constitution on Sunday with an all-day service. Rev. J.A. Patterson, pastor, announced this week. Dr. L. Smith of the Park Avenue Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia will be the guest speaker for the afternoon service.

Constituted April 7, 1946 with 13 members the church has grown to a membership of 154. Meeting first in the Lithia Springs school the church now holds services in the basement of the proposed church plant. The basement unit was completed at a cost of $21,000.

The day's program will include the regular order of service in the morning with a basket lunch being served at the noon hour. The afternoon program will feature songs by the Park Avenue Quartet and the Grant Park Quartet, readings by Sara Maud Chandler and Joyce Patterson, and the address by Dr. Smith.

The church extends a cordial invitation to those in the community.

Stewardship Courses: 1953

This article appeared in the Austell Enterprise on October 22, 1953:

A Stewardship Study Course for the Lithia Springs Baptist is announced by the church Training Union.

All age groups are included. The adult book, "Found Faithful" will be taught by Rev. James T. Manley, of the First Baptist Church of Chattahoochee. The young peoples book, "Good Stewards," will be taught by Rev. Howard Gordon, pastor of Crestview Church, Marietta. Rev. Howard McDowell, associate pastor and music director of Fair Oaks Baptist will teach the Intermediates "Partners With God."

The Juniors will be taught by Mrs. James T. Manley. Their book is "Talking Penny." The Primaries will study "Bonny Baptist and the Sunbeams," this will be taught by Mrs. L.T. Chandler, member of the local church.

The nursery will be open each evening.

Revival Time: 1953

This article appeared in the Douglas Sentinel on Aug. 1, 1953:

A series of revival services will begin at the Lithia Springs Baptist Church next Sunday morning, August 2. The meeting will continue through August 14, with the pastor, Rev. Marion H. Beaver, bringing the messages.

Only evening services will be held on the week days. The song services will begin at 7:30 o’clock with the preaching service scheduled for 8 o’clock.

Raymond Berry, action choir director of the First Baptist Church in Marietta, will direct the the music for the series of meetings. Mr. Berry was formerly connected with the choir work for many years at the Jackson Hill Church, in Atlanta.

Wild Game Dinner: October, 2008

The article pictured above appeared in the Wednesday, September 10, 2008 issue of The Douglas Neighbor.

You can click on the image for a larger view.

The article states:

In the past, First Baptist Church, Lithia Springs Men's Ministry has had little trouble in pulling in big names like former Atlanta Braves first baseman Sid Bream to serve as special guest speaker for its annual wild game dinner.

This year, with Chick-Fil-A founder Truett Cathy, the September 18th dinner might have its biggest name yet.

Member and organizer [David] Cooper said Cathy is a perfect speaker for his lifestyle and the purpose of the group.

"I can't think of anyone else who represents his company and his Biblical principles as well as Mr. Cathy," he said. "As a businessman myself I cannot think of anyone else I would rather pattern my company or business practices after."

The event, Cooper said, usually draws 500 to 600 guests and expects a similar number or greater this year.

The festivities begin, Cooper, said with displays of different sportsmen and taxidermists in the area and the Douglas County Fire Department will offer free blood pressure screenings.

Musical entertainment, he said, will be provided by the Cross Ties Band who perform bluegrass, gospel and other forms of traditional American music.

After dinner, Cooper said, the guests will move into the sanctuary for Cathy's message.

The dinner itself, Cooper said, will offer a variety of different meats.

"Every year we try to shake things up and this year is no different," he said. "The menu will consist of wild hog, buffalo, elk, and turkey, baked potato, slaw, and tea. I just don't know where you can get all of this for $10."

Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling (770) 948-2126 or coming to by the church. Tickets are on sale Monday through Thursday and at the 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services.

The Passing of Mrs. Jewel Patterson

On Sunday, October 12, 2008, members of FBC, Lithia Springs were saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Jewel R. Patterson. She was the wife of Pastor Arnold Patterson, the first minister of the church. Her funeral was at the church on Wednesday, Octobr 15, 2008.

Dr. Sam Jones, Mrs. Patterson’s grandson opened the service by remarking that it was appropriate her homegoing was on a Sunday. Mrs. Patterson’s son, Rev. Max Patterson refererenced Proverbs 31: 10-31 emphasizing Her children arise and call her blessed…., and Dorrie Jones, a granddaughter provided recollections from a grandchild’s vantage point. She included memories of the rather large Sunday dinners at her grandparent’s home and how Mrs. Patterson would always make the comment, “Let’s just throw a sheet over it. Someone might be hungry later.” Dorrie ended her comments with the observation that family and friends will live with Mrs. Patterson’s memory, but be inspired by her legacy.

Jerry Johnson, a member of FBC, Lithia Springs recalled the first time he met Mrs. Patterson during a night visitation. Mrs. Patterson suggested to him that church might actually be the best place to meet. Jerry commented that Mrs. Patterson was the epitome of a lady and was always dressed just so.

Rev. Mike Sinyard, education minister at FBC, Lithia Springs remembered he was five when Rev. Patterson and his wife were called away to another church, but made sure he sat in on the classes she taught twenty-four years later at the church. Rev. Sinyard called Mrs. Patterson a master teacher.

Rev. Marion Beaver, minister to seniors at FBC, Lithia Springs remembered one particular Women’s Day event at Olive Springs where he was the pastor at the time. Rev. Beaver asked Mrs. Patterson to speak at the event and stated it was obvious to him she spoke under the guidance of God and could interpret scripture with finese and translated it to our lives with ease. Rev. Beaver went on to say that if God indicated the ordination of women he would have been the first to lay hands on Mrs. Patterson.

Dr. Bob Whitmire, a former pastor of FBC, Lithia Springs stated Mrs. Patterson made a difference and was faithful to the end having given her life to the Lord. Dr. Whitmire went on to state Mrs. Patterson did have her challenges…..one being the death of Rev. Patterson. Dr. Whitmire remembered he was also challenged by the death of Rev. Patterson in that he was a young preacher at the time and needed Rev. Patterson’s counsel. He was grateful the Lord left him Mrs. Patterson.

Mrs. Betty Robertson and Dr. Dan DeFoor both performed solos and the entire congregation sang Amazing Grace.

Pastor Ordination: Rev. Gary Green

This is the order of service for the ordination of Gary Green at FBCLS during the evening service on July 4, 1976.

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Rev. Green also preached the message during the morning service that Sunday as evidenced by the church bulletin seen here.

Church Bulletin: July 4, 1976

Gary Green delivered the message for the 8:30 a.m. service. This is notable since his ordination service was that evening during the evening service .

More information regarding his ordination can be seen here

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Baseball Team: 1955

The following image was provided by Ron Couch for scanning:


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Deacons: 1953-1954

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Church Conference: 1976

The following is a sampling of the church conference minutes from 1976:

The Lithia Springs First Baptist Church met in conference on Wednesday evening, November 10th, 1976, with Marion H. Beaver presiding.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as read. The financial and organizational reports were accepted as information.

The Deacons recommended that the church provide two signs for the Concord Associational office on Washington Street in Austell. Also, that our committees of the church meet once a quarter. After a brief explanation by the Pastor, motion was made, seconded, and approved that these recommendations be approved.

The Nominating Committee recommended the election fo the following:
Cindy Vinson, Mission Friends Leader
Clara Winchester, GA Leader
Cheryl Kelley, Librarian
John and Cheryl Mitchell, 8 year Sunday School

Motion was made, seconded, and approved that these be elected to serve.

The Finance Committee recommended that $100.00 be allocated for Coach and Team Night to be held on December 5th. Motion was made, seconded, and approved that this be done.

The Property Committee recommended that the Lithia Springs chapter of Weight Watchers be given permission to use the Houston Street house one night per week. They will pay the church $5.00 per week for use of heat and lights.

Also, that the Cub Scouts be permitted to use the Youth III department for their meetings on Thursday nights at 6:00, with no charge. Motion was made, seconded, and approved that these recommendations be accepted.

Edna Gore, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the 1977 Proposed Budget. Copies of the proposed budget had been distributed along with recommendations from the Finance Committee, all to be voted on at a later date. One addition was made which was the Deacon’s Retreat with an amount of $150.00.

There being no further business, meeting was adjourned.

Deacons Emergency Committee: Leroy Burcham, Wendell Brown, Fred Enterkin, Claude Foster

Respectfully submitted
Cheryl Meeks, Church Clerk

1964: Royal Ambassador Basketball

This image was donated for scanning by Ron Couch.

Click on the image to enlarge it.....

Church Conference: 1976

The following is a sampling of church conference minutes from 1976:

The Lithia Springs First Baptist Church met in conference on August 4, 1976 with Marion H. Beaver, Pastor, presiding. The minutes of the July meeting were approved as read. The financial and organizational reports were accepted as information.

The following recommendations were made by the Deacons:
1. That the church involve ourselves in an Evangelistic program this Fall.
2. That the church appoint a long-range planning committee.
3. That a survey be made by the property and finance committee for the purchase of needed equipment for the office.
4. That Harry Smith be placed on the honorary list of deacons due to his health.

After explanation by the pastor of each recommendation, a motion was made and seconded for each recommendation and they were approved.

A motion was made that the church send a letter of appreciation and commendation to Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Chandler and Olivia for their years of service (approximately 30) on the Lord’s Supper Committee. Motion was seconded and approved.

The Nominating Committee recommended the election of the following:
Bill Stone-Church Training Director
Dot Callaway-Adult Activities Director
Lena Mae Wilson-RAF Director
Geraldine Bankston-Tape Ministry Director
Howell and Cecil Holt-Lord’s Supper Committee
J.P. Leavell-Preschool I, II, and III Secretary
Virginia Bryant-4 year Preschool Director
Edna Gore- 5 year Preschool Director
Mrs. Emma Lee Smith-8 year Children Director
Mrs. Alice Lewis- 9 year Children Director
Mrs. Edith Griffin- 10 year Children Director
Mrs. Irene Leavell- Adult II Director
Mr. Fred Enterkin-Adult III Director

Emergency Committee for August: Leroy Burcham, Walker King, Harry Harris, Frederick Woodruff

A report was made on the meeting regarding the closing of Lucille Street from Houston Street to Bankhead Highway because of the way it was written up in the public notices of Douglas County Sentinel, there was some opposition made and disposition was made by the commissioners at this time.

The pastor stated that a verbal agreement had been made with Mr. Alexander, Douglas County School Superintendent, that there would be no ball playing on Sunday night at the ball field behind Annette Winn School. There have been games played recently on this field on Sunday night. He also asked Mr. Alexander what the possibility might be of sellling this ball field land. Mr. Alexander said he would check it out.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted
Edna Gore fillling in for Cheryl Meeks, Clerk

Church Bulletin: September 26, 1962

The following church bulletin was donated for scanning by church member, Ron Couch. The first page compares all of us to machines and from time to time we need to undergo a bit of inspection where God “can and will restore us”.

click on the images to enlarge them....

The second page is notable for the Couch family as their note of appreciation was included following the passing of Mrs. A.C. (Louise) Couch.

The third page contains Pastor Marion Beaver’s message regarding the Enlargement Campaign and how decisions made during that time would affect FBCLS in the future.

Finally, here is the back page of the bulletin.