The Church....Decorated for Christmas

The church decorations for the Christmas season....Many thanks to the flower committee led by Melanie Bearden for all of their hard work.

New Elevator to the Youth Floor

This article appeared in the Douglas County Sentinel on September 13, 2009.

It says:

First Baptist Church, Lithia Springs dedicated a new elevator during a short dedication service on Sunday, August 23rd.

The elevator project began in January, 2009 by the church building committee consisting of Dot Callaway, Tom Richardson, Jim Rose, Jim West and Richard Young. Thyssen Krupp Elevator Company of Marietta constructed and installed the elevator, and the building construction was handled by Fine Living Home Builders, Inc. under the leadership of Danny Harrison. Along with the elevator, new restrooms were also installed on the third floor. The project took longer than was initially anticipated due to weather and a planned time-out while church members participated in a Church Mission Trip to Blairsville, Georgia. Final approval by the State Inspection Department on August 18, 2009 prompted the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

During the dedication ceremony, Senior Pastor, Kevin McKoy advised several things prompted the installation of the elevator including the fact that one wheelchair bound student, Stevie Spurrier, as well as other students from time to time, could not reach the third floor where youth services and activities were held. Since the campus only had one elevator other members of the congregation were often inconvenienced when the elevator was out of service. Pastor McKoy also noted the installation of the elevator extended the work of former pastor, Dr. Robert Whitmire, and the Journey to Tomorrow building campaign.

After Pastor McKoy led the congregation in a dedication prayer, the elevator key passed from Danny Harrison to building committee member, Tom Richardson. Mr. Richardson along with other members of the committee cut the ribbon. The first official elevator trip was taken by Natasha and Steve Spurrier in their son’s absence and senior members, Roberta Quinn and Jeanne Redwine. A ribbon cutting was also held on the second floor. Once the elevator arrived at the third floor another ribbon was cut and Danny Anderson, Associate Pastor to Students, along with several youth members rode the elevator on the return trip to the first floor.

First Baptist Church, Lithia Springs has a long and rich history. The church was founded in 1946 following a vision received by Mr. Loy T. Chandler, Sr. where he saw a beautiful church located in the heart of Lithia Springs. Mr. Chandler shared his vision with friends and family and a small group of twelve people including Mr. Chandler organized the church on April 7, 1946.

Over the years First Baptist Church, Lithia Springs located at 3566 Veterans Memorial Highway has undergone several expansions. The church offers two morning worship services and one evening service each Sunday . Wednesday activities include dinner, Faithweavers, a program for pre-schoolers and children that combines music and missions, youth activities, and new discipleship training for adults begins September 9th. The church office can be reached at 770-948-2126.

You can see a video of the actual dedication here.

New Elevator Dedication!

You can see a newspaper article regarding the dedication here

An Important Letter

The following letter was written on THIS date sixty-three years ago. The letter was addressed to Mr. Ed Ralls, a founding member of FBCLS. The letter was written by Glenn Florence, a Senator in the Georgia General Assembly. In the letter Mr. Florence agrees to donate a plot of land in downtown Lithia Springs for the church.

Mr. Florence is pictured to the left. The text of his letter is provided below:

Punta Gorda, Florida
March 1, 1946

Mr. E. Ralls,

Dear friend and brother. I read your letter this p.m. and knowing the need of a Baptist church and Sunday School in Lithia , I feel I owe my Lord a debt I can never repay and am not trying to repay.

But wanting to try to help in any way I can, I will be glad to donate a church site if the place can be used. First, how much frontage would you want? Second, I would rather not have it on highway between stores and Mr. Alley’s place. Third, have you looked at place next to school house, as you could utilize part of school grounds for large Sunday crowds. How soon do you plan on starting a building?

I have some lots on the left side of road to Sweetwater Creek. You might get Mr. Walt Mozeley to show you the places and write me the amount of frontage needed and the depth and place, and I am sure we can get together.

Thanking you for the change to do something, I remain

Your brother-in-Christ

Glenn Florence

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 Conference: 1976

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

The Lithia Springs First Baptist Church met in conference on May 12, 1976 with Mr. Harry Harris, Chairman of the Board of Deacons presiding.

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

Mr. Harris gave a report on the meeting that was held at the Commercial Bank building concerning sewage in the county.

Mr. Harris also reported that the ordination of Gary Green has been called for by the Union Band Baptist Church of Howardstown, Kentucky. Gary has requested that the ordination take place here in his home church, LSFBC, on July 4, 1976. Motion was made, seconded, and approved that Gary Green be ordained here at the church on July 4, 1976.

The Property Committee recommended tha the county be given a right-of-way on our east line for the extension of Winn Drive in exchange for Lucille Avenue on the west side of the building. Motion was made, seconded, and approved that this be granted.

The Nominating Committee recommended that Mr. Larry Palmer be elected to serve as Trustee to fill the vacancy left by the death of Mr. J.B. Williams. Motion was made, seconded, and approved.

The Financial Committee recommended that the following allocations be added to the 1976 budget:

Church Training Special Programs $300.00
Church Staff Study $500.00
Water $350.00

Motion was made, seconded, and approved that this money be allocated.

The Finance Committee recommended that $100.00 per month be put into a tax sheltered pension program for our pastor, Mariou H. Beaver. That the church take out an insurance policy providing disability income for the pastor, should become disabled due to illness or accident, at our annual premium of $254.72. Motion was made, seconded, and approved that this be done.

Deacon’s Emergency Committee: Harry Harris, Leroy Burcham, Tye Kent, Manford Miller

There being no further business, meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Meeks, Church Clerk

Church Conference: 1976

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

The Lithia Springs First Baptist Church met in conference on Wednesday, January 28, 1976 at 7:30 p.m. with Harry Harris, Chairman of the Board of Deacons 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 Property and Personnel Committees look into the possibility of securing a full-time custodian for the church building and church grounds

Deacons Emergency Committee: J.Q. Mosley, Fred Mosley, B.C. Quinn, LaFell Rakestraw

Meeting adjourned,
Respectfully submitted: Janet Deal, Clerk

The Original Sanctuary

This is the original sanctuary building that was destroyed by fire. There are a few major differences between this original structure and the rebuilt structure we can see today.

Do you know what they are?

First-today's older sanctuary building does not have the vent that you can see in the gable.

Second-the original building had windows on either side of the front door instead of additional doors.

Third....and this is the most major difference......the original sanctuary building had a foundation of Stone Mountain granite. Look around today and you will see the older sanctuary structure has an all brick foundation.

The image below shows the west side of the basement of the original structure where Sunday School was held for many months prior to the fire.

Below: the west side of the classroom level....taken in July, 1947

Building the New Sanctuary

The new building program for constructing a new sanctuary began in 1983 on a rainy Sunday per the historical archives. Dr. Robert Whitmire introduces the plans to the congregation.

Mrs. Jewell Patterson, wife of Rev. Arnold Patterson, discussed the history of the church from 1946 through the early eighties.

Greg Pope, the 16-year-old son of Butch and Linda Pope, discussed the new building program and its impact on future generations.

These images are from a laminated presentation created by Vivian Cranford. The next two images show the excavation for the new sanctuary.

Do you remember the Scout Hut? Do you remember those trees?

A beautiful night scene of the completed sanctuary.

Groundbreaking: Educational Building

Founding Church members who were present at the groundbreaking for the educational building in July, 1970.

I.C. Williams, Vassie Williams, Mildred Winn, Pat Chandler, Mira Sinyard, Cora Ralls, Alene Ralls Wallace, Loy Chandler, Jr, and Loy Chandler, Sr.

Groundbreaking: 1946

This is an image of the church founders at the groundbreaking for the first church building (the one that was later destroyed by fire).

From left to right: Mary Gore, Ethel Hodges, Vassie Williams, John and Estelle Rice, Pat Chandler, Jewell Patterson, Amy Copeland, G.W. Southard, Rev. Arnold Patterson, John Cauble, Rev. Pat Johnson, and John Brown.

Rebuilt Sanctuary

This is an image of the rebuilt sanctuary taken in August, 1952.

Groundbreaking: 1946

Amy Copeland and Edna Epps during the groundbreaking for the first building.

Outdoor Services: 1972-1973

During a sanctuary renovation during 1972-1973 some worship services were held in the parking lot.

Under Construction: Whitmire Activities Center

If you want to view the images individually click on the slideshow. You will be taken to another page where you will see the words "view album" in blue. Click there and you can see each image. Click on each image for a closer view.

Steeple Raising: 1985

When the steeple was finally raised over the new sanctuary building Dr. Robert (Dr. Bob) Whitmire had the honor of placing the cross atop the structure.

Building Together in Love Brochure

The images for this slide show are timed to change every five seconds. If you would like to view each image seperately click on the slide show. Once you are taken to another page look for the link "view album" on the left side. Click it to see each image by itself.

Start to Finish: The Playground

Church Campus: 1987

A note on the back of this image states it was taken around 1987.

Church Fire: October 28, 1949

The above image and newspaper clipping if from The Atlanta Constitution and is dated Saturday, October 29, 1949. If you click on the image you can see a larger version and isolate it on your screen by itself.

The caption underneath the image states, FIRE DESTROYS LITHIA SPRINGS CHURCH---The new $62,000 First Baptist Church in Lithia Springs was destroyed by fire last night. The structure was dedicated only last Sunday. The fire was discovered shortly before a scheduled meeting.

It was well the church had a firm foundation because it went from a mountain-top experience of exaltation to the valley of despair in five short days. It was in the testing time that the real church emerged to build again an even larger, stronger organization, with more facilities to proclaim God’s love in the community.

Three days after the disastrous fire a meeting was called to discuss plans for the future. From that time on, every effort was put forth in raising funds and devising plans for another building. Surrounding churches offered their facilities, a store building, the Scout Hut, and private homes were used on a temporary basis. Later meetings were held in the school until the present auditorium was completed in August, 1951.