Published - March, 13, 2006
Growth key to church as it marks 100 years
Emanuel Baptist keeping its eye on future
Before the first Model T Ford was assembled in 1908, Emanuel Baptist Church at the corner of A and La Rua streets was spreading the word of God.
On Sunday, 120 members celebrated the church's centennial with prayer, singing and fellowship.
Carrie Richardson, 83, has been a member of the church for longer than she can remember.
"I came here when I was a young girl, and it was a little wooden church," she said. "It was nothing compared to what it is now."
The church has 300 members, and 175 of the those members are active. While the congregation might be small, the smaller size is good for the church, the Rev. Robert Lewis said.
"In a larger church, ministers fill in for the pastor, but members want to see their pastor and have a relationship with him," he said. "If they are hurting, then I am hurting. If they are in sorrow, then I am in sorrow."
The church has come a long way from the small, wooden building of 100 years ago, Lewis said. Hurricane Ivan stripped the building to its frame in 2004.
"The damages were a blessing in disguise," Lewis said. "We got new lighting, a new sound system, a new camera to film the services and a new roof."
Now, the church is focused on building a fellowship hall on property recently acquired near the sanctuary.
Lola Presley, the church clerk, said the fellowship hall will be completed in the next two years.
"We have not been able to fellowship through meals because we don't have the room," she said. "I think that fellowship is important to all our members."
As it embarks on its second 100 years, Lewis said the church is ready to keep growing, especially in drawing new members.
"Young people are starting to get involved in the church," he said. "They see their future, and they are stepping up to the plate.
"We want to keep growing and moving forward. When a church is stagnant, something is wrong."
Presley said growing and giving back to the community are central to the mission of the church.
"We have given donations to total strangers that have walked through the doors and asked for help," she said. "The more you give, the more you receive."
