First Baptist Church of Tullahoma has been serving this community as a faithful witness to Christ for over one-hundred and fifty years. Through the years generations of people have worshipped in a variety of buildings on the present site in downtown Tullahoma. Today the church is served by five staff ministers who, with the help of the entire church family, provide a wide range of ministries.
As Arnold Engineering Development Center continued to expand it brought more people to the area. First Baptist Church of Tullahoma was, therefore, blessed with growth and the opportunity to witness to the community. Many young families who had moved here to start their careers at the Center were immediately looking for a new church home.
By1957 the church budget was $75,000, with 802 Sunday School members and 195 Training Union members. (Training Union was an organization having a director and teachers consisting of age appropriate classes for children and adults. It met on Sunday evenings, either before or after the Sunday night service.)
With the population growth the need for more space became urgent for the growing church. Therefore, the ground-breaking for the Chapel, a nursery, and a second floor classroom area adjoining the west end of the present Educational Building was held on March 31, 1957. In June a cornerstone was placed in the Chapel Building. Inside the stone, within a copper box, was a scroll of members’ names and a history of the church entitled The First Hundred Years. The ladies’ T. E. L. Sunday School class had planned the event.
Two years earlier (1955) “White Christmas” began and was already destined to become a beloved tradition of the church. “White Christmas” was a worship service through which the church members could brighten the holidays of those in need by bringing gifts of non-perishable food items wrapped in white paper to the altar. The next morning boxes of food were delivered to needy families. For many years each person present for this service received a small box of Baby Ruth or Butterfingers candy as a gift from the church.
In keeping with the mission-minded history of First Baptist Church (FBC), Lincoln Heights had been nurtured as a mission since its inception in 1952. It was still meeting in the old Ragan School Building in 1957 when the congregation voted to begin a building program. This new sanctuary on East Lincoln Street was dedicated on August 10, 1958. Lincoln Heights Church continued to thrive and become stronger. The congregation soon voted to become an independent Southern Baptist Church and the dedication took place on September 13, 1959.
In 1959 the air-conditioning system was completed for the entire FBC facility at a cost of $17,000. The public address system was extended to the nursery and Chapel, and the church accepted a Steinway grand piano.
The Sixties
A student member who was entering Belmont College was awarded a $250 scholarship by the church. In May of 1960, FBC voted to adopt Hickerson Memorial Church on College Street as a mission. They called their first pastor in October.
The First Baptist library had its beginning in 1960, when its shelves were constructed in the classroom of the Kinozelian adult ladies’ Sunday School Class. By 1962 the library housed 185 books – many given as memorials and honorariums.
Feeling that the parsonage on First Avenue was now too small for a pastor and family, a lot was purchased in Oak Park subdivision in 1960 at a cost of $2,200, most of which was donated. The church voted to borrow $20,000 at 5% interest and a new parsonage was constructed. The stately eight room colonial hous
Mission Groups
During these years of growth of local mission churches and additions to the church plant, the needs of Southern Baptist home and foreign missionaries were not forgotten. The Brotherhood (later called Baptist Men) and WMU invited many home and foreign missionaries as guest speakers. They were given monetary contributions for their mission work.
The WMU, or Woman’s Missionary Union, is known across the Southern Baptist Convention as a mission organization. Its purpose is to encourage the local congregations to take part in missions by teaching missions, engaging in mission action and personal witnessing, supporting missions, and undergirding the work of the church and the denomination. The WMU included Sunbeams, Girls in Action or GA’s, Acteens, Young Women’s Auxiliary (YWA), and groups of Baptist Women, called “Circles,” which met in homes and totaled 183 members in 1961. (The YWA had celebrated its fiftieth anniversary in 1957.) The WMU is a service organization, However, a wonderful by-product is the intermingling and fellowship of persons of different age groups as they meet and work together.
Youth Director
Attention was turned to the need for year-round youth activities. The church had new college graduates as paid summer youth directors in 1958 and 1959. One of these became a part-time associate pastor with emphasis on youth work for one year before returning to seminary. During that time, fall of 1960, the first documented youth after game fellowship was held. In March of 1962, the church’s first full-time Youth and Education Director was called.
Church Expansion
In the spring of 1962 the main auditorium was redecorated including a new ceiling and carpet. During this period worship services were held in the Marshall Theater, a beautiful building downtown on Grundy Street, about one and one-half blocks away from the church. (It has since been razed.)
What is known as the Peck property was purchased by the church in September of 1962 for $28,500. The front lot measured 120’ on Lincoln Street and the second lot was approximately 40’ wide facing North Washington. There were two houses utilized which became known as the “Large House” on Lincoln and, affectionately, the “Penthouse” (an apartment above a garage) on the Washington Street lot. The following year they were named “Lincoln Street Annex” and “Washington Street Annex” until they were razed.
With a membership of 1,628 in 1963, the church family felt they were outgrowing the auditorium. An architect’s plans for expansion included “wings” on each side for sections of additional pews. The cost was not to exceed $45,000. The groundbreaking was held in March of 1964. While the final cost of nearly $90,000 exceeded their expectations, it did include 43 choir seats, wall to wall carpet, pews, and furnishings. The beautiful expanded sanctuary was dedicated to God on December 13, 1964.
Center Grove
While the expansion of the auditorium was in its planning stages, FBC adopted its third mission, Center Grove, in October of 1963. On a donated lot Center Grove Mission began construction of a new building in August of 1964 and held the building’s dedication on May 23, 1965.
Music and Youth Director
Prior to 1965 the choir had been directed by talented and dedicated volunteers – each one acting in that capacity for years at a time. Even so, the first two youth choirs were formed during this time, one for age ll-14 and another for age 15-24 years. There was also an active 6-8 year old choir. The first full time Minister of Music and Youth was called in January of 1965 and began serving in February. A music council was formed and a drama guild of 25 adults as well as an all ladies’ choir and an instrumental ensemble.
Activities Building
The church’s membership reached 1,879 by the end of 1966. The fellowship gatherings were outgrowing the second floor kitchen and social hall (now the music area). The note on the First Avenue parsonage had been paid off in July. In December the church family voted to employ an architect to draw plans for the Activities Building facing East Lincoln Street at an approximate cost of $225,000. That year’s budget of $135,000 was over subscribed by nearly $7,000.
With high attendance of 673 on Easter Sunday, the congregation was eagerly looking forward to more classroom space. Plans were drawn, and a bid of $233,500 was accepted by the church. They also approved accepting a loan of $225,000. The new building would contain a kitchen, large activity area with folding partitions for classes, nursery space, classroom space on second floor, restrooms, and a hallway connecting with the Educational Building.
Meanwhile, the second successful culmination of supporting a mission church was evident when, in October of 1967, Hickerson Mission was constituted into an independent church. It was also newly named College Street Baptist Church and has expanded its building since that time.
Groundbreaking for the Activities Building was January 7, 1968, and in February a new church sign marked the Sanctuary on Grundy Street. The center of the sign is the old cornerstone of the original building on the corner of Grundy and Washington.
As a participant in “Crusade America” – simultaneous revivals throughout the Western Hemisphere – First Baptist called Dr. Cal Guy as evangelist. In April of 1969 this church’s WMU hosted breakfast for the area pastors and evangelists. During the fifties and sixties cottage prayer meetings were usually held the week before revivals.
The dedication of the new Activities Building on Lincoln Street was held and a Homecoming took place on July 20, 1969. Three former pastors and two other ordained pastors from FBC were in attendance on this joyous occasion.
As Motlow Community College was in its infancy, the deacons of FBC had recommended that they be allowed to rent space for offices in the new Activities Building from February to September of 1969. The church continued to befriend the college and aided in the first student registration. Members of First Baptist Church have held various positions in the Baptist Student Union. The WMU continues to prepare and serve lunch once each school year at the Motlow BSU (later called Baptist Collegiate Ministries) building. The proceeds from the lunch are being used in college summer mission work.
Many things were taking place during this time of construction. Here are a few. The brotherhood’s August (1967) project was the collecting of furnishings for the home of the first full time African-American pastor in Tullahoma. Carolers from FBC joined in the “Town Caroling Week” for the benefit of the new Tullahoma Day Care Center. An offering of $900.00 was given to the Baptist Children’s Home. FBC contributed $238.00 to the Tullahoma Anti-liquor League. “Our Servicemen of the Week” began as a new feature in the weekly “Messenger.” The Brotherhood sent 18 New Testaments, Good News for Modern Man, to FBC servicemen.
The Seventies
Around 1970 the Training Union program had a name change to Church Training. Some topics in the adult literature included “Baptist Faith and Message,” ‘The Christian Encountering Death and Dying,” and “Developing your Christian Witness.” Approximately 226 persons were involved in the various age groups. They often planned and enjoyed social events.
In April of 1970 Center Grove, which was still being nurtured as a mission of FBC, was granted the authority to build more rooms onto their present building due to the increase in attendance. On September 12, 1971, Center Grove Mission went out on its own, with God’s help, to become Center Grove Church.
A new ministry to the community was born at FBC when on February 25, 1971, Jarvis Hearn, Home Missionary to the Deaf, held classes at FBC to teach sign language. In October of that year a Sunday School class was formed for the deaf. However, this ministry seemed to be discontinued for lack of need.
The music ministry of FBC grew by leaps and bounds in the sixties and seventies with new children's choirs, senior adult choir, and men’s quartet. Choir recognition services were held from then to the present. Awards for attendance were given to 189 choir members including children, youth, and adults. In December of 1971, the church purchased 55 choir robes for the adult choir and in the next few years robes for each graded choir. FBC hosted The District Music Festival for five year-old choirs and above, and the District Associational Music School for choir members, organists, pianists, and leaders of youth and children’s choirs. Children’s mission and choir groups met each Tuesday after school with a combined attendance of approximately 250 children. During the next few years the adult choir presented many beautiful concerts at Christmas, Easter, and a “God and Country” patriotic service in July of 1976 for our country’s 200th birthday. The youth and junior high choirs were very active and a newly formed orchestra played at Sunday services.
Mission Trips Begin
First Baptist has been very supportive of the youth program and sees it as a vital part of the present and future of the church. In January of 1971 forty youth attended the Evangelistic Youth Conference, followed the next year by a group of sixty. Then in 1972 the first youth mission trip was planned. A dedication service was conducted on July 23rd for those going – destination, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. On July 29, 1972, 35 youth and seven adults left for Sheboygan to lead in Backyard Bible Clubs, soul winning, and giving concerts. The next year a special offering was taken to help finance a youth mission trip to Beaufort, South Carolina. The Mayor of Tullahoma, in the dedication service, appointed the group as ambassadors to represent Tullahoma at Beaufort in July of 1973. In 1974 a special offering and a dedication service sent the 53 youth and leaders off to Eagle Nest, New Mexico. The youth also ministered to the Highland Rim School for Girls (formerly Tennessee Vocational School) with gifts and visits. The Youth Director led a weekly Bible study with approximately 71 attending. He reported 23 professions of faith.
Mountain Mission
In February of 1973 a young mission on the mountain needed help. First Baptist opened its heart and purse and donated $50.00 a month to help them with expenses. In October of 1974 FBC adopted Cumberland Chapel at Altamont, Tennessee, as a mission with 44 members. The church placed $4,000.00 in the budget for the mission. Brotherhood held workdays many times at Cumberland Chapel.
Property and Organ
The Long Range Planning Committee and Deacons, in May of 1974, recommended the purchase of the 70’ wide by 165’ deep King property on Lincoln Street for the cost of $35,000. The property was to be used for parking for the Activities Building. By June of 1975 the old parsonage on First Avenue was sold for $20,843.47.
In October of 1976 the Finance Committee reported that 25% of the ‘76 –‘77 budget would go to the cause of missions. The budget adopted was $215,000. The Missions Committee reported a $6,000 budget at Cumberland Chapel. Above and beyond these figures the FBC Lottie Moon Offering for Foreign Missions was $4,500. Ten of the 41 boxes prepared from “White Christmas” were given to Cumberland Chapel Crisis Closet.
A Rogers 990 Extended organ was purchased by vote of the church body for the sum of $39,684 in November of 1976. The organ package would include a new balanced sound system; renovation of the organ chambers and sound control room; and the painting of ceiling, front walls, windows, and all trim and woodwork. The total was $59,408. The Trustees were authorized to borrow money not covered by the organ fund that was established earlier. The following year the FBC Music Ministry presented Dr. Donald P. Hustad in the Dedicatory Recital of the Rogers Extended Organ. Dr. Hustad was a professor of music and was a past organist for the Billy Graham Crusade.
Early in 1977 the church held a “Note Burning Ceremony” at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. This signified the paying off of the $225,000 debt accrued when constructing the Activities Building.
Other Events in the Seventies
The Brotherhood met regularly for fellowship and for planning activities such as workdays at Cumberland Mission or other mission projects. The Royal Ambassador mission organization for boys continued to meet each week with their counselors. The different levels of learning were Lad 1, Lad 2, Lad 3, Squire, Knight, and a new Pioneer group that was organized for 7th –12th grade boys. Awards banquets were hosted by the Brotherhood in recognition of accomplishments and of RA Week. Other endeavors were: sponsoring a drive to furnish sheets for the Chattanooga Children's home, participating in athletics, camp crafts, and mission activities.
In March of 1977 a campsite at Normandy Lake was given by a church member for the RA’s and their programs. Baptist Men held a workday in March to start clearing an area for a campsite on the 1 ½ acre plot. Later that month 21 RA boys enjoyed their first RA campout at the new campsite.
The GA’s and leaders attended Queen’s Court at Belmont College and had 30 girls participate in the coronation. The WMU bought items for service men and manned the Crisis Closet. They sponsored missionary speakers for the church including one from Argentina, Africa, Taiwan, Indonesia (Evelyn Swartz of Winchester for whom a circle was named), and Mrs. Virginia Cockrum - 17 years in Nigeria.
Improvements to the church property included paving of the Lincoln Street parking lot, giving 44 more parking spaces. Windows and overhang were upgraded with aluminum trim for $33,075.
The first Parent – Baby Dedication took place in May of 1978. This was a sweet segment of the worship service in which the parents and the congregation promised to support a Christian upbringing for the child. This became a yearly event.
In September of 1978 the church accepted the recommendation that the pastor receive a housing allowance which would enable the family to select their own housing instead of living in the parsonage.
For several years a young ladies’ Sunday School class had sponsored a senior adult “Keenagers’ Day Camp”. Included activities were crafts, games, food, and fellowship. (This was continued for ten-plus years.) In October of 1978, as a new ministry to senior adults, “Keenagers Plus” began meeting on the 4th Thursday of the month and were soon entitled “X Y Z Club” (X Y Z = Xtra Years of Zest). They observed Senior Adult Day with the church and took many wonderful trips, such as, Stone Mountain, Georgia and Calloway Gardens.
The WMU had a quilting party to “tack” (tie) quilts for the local Guidance Council to distribute to those needing warmth. The most senior member of WMU (92) pieced the quilt top, as had been her custom. She patiently guided younger ladies in their quilting techniques.
A new program was launched in October of 1979 by the Deacon body. This was the “Deacon Family Care Plan.” Each deacon was assigned a number of families as his ministry responsibility.
The Eighties
A renewed puppet team with new puppets was formed in March of 1980. This ministry would become a very entertaining teaching tool for Backyard Bible Clubs on mission trips and locally. In June the youth, including the Acteens, led Backyard Bible Clubs in various parts of Tullahoma and in Lynchburg.
The beginning of a long-running partnership was “Mission to Michigan”, a youth trip to Pellston, Michigan, from June 28-July 6, 1980. The next year “Volunteers to Michigan” consisted of youth teaching Backyard Bible Clubs and adults constructing churches in Roscommon and West Branch. The partnership with Michigan continued each year with few exceptions.
Handbells
A handbell memorial fund had been established at FBC years earlier. In October of 1980 the congregation approved the purchase of the handbells for a handbell choir for $2,800 plus delivery. This would be a three-octave (37) bell set of Schulmericle handbells, and the church could begin this program with one adult group and two youth groups and expand as needed. The set was played and dedicated on June 14, 1981, in the morning worship service. The Youth II handbell group rang at the World Missions Rally held at Winchester.in December of that year.
Contact Lifeline, a 24-hour telephone help-line manned by Christian volunteers, held its initial training session in the FBC Fellowship Hall. This program has been supported both financially and with volunteers.
In October of 1981 the Manchester First Baptist Church building was destroyed by fire. The Tullahoma church family gave a special offering for a communion set and, on October 25th, invited them for a joint fellowship/worship. After the purchase of the communion set there was a vote to use the remainder for a set of collection plates that would be used first for another love offering for the Manchester church.
On December 6, l981, the First Baptist Church of Tullahoma observed its 125th anniversary. There were 635 in Sunday School. The morning worship service featured Dr. Fred Kendall as speaker. The service was followed by a covered dish “dinner on the grounds” in Fellowship Hall. A World Mission emphasis in the evening service featured Miss Becky Byrd, a participant in a venture in Korea.
In the summer of 1982 a newly purchased 15 passenger Ford van was delivered as planned. Early the next year the Trustees had installed an energy management system. A new sign was designed that would be erected on the East Lincoln Street side and a fund was established for donations to purchase the sign.
Together We Build
In July of 1983 the Harton property across the alley from the church and bounded by Atlantic and Grundy Streets became available. The church purchased this for the sum of $185,000. August 7, 1983, was set as “Down Payment Day” with a goal of $30,000. (Total as of August 24th was $35,000.) The land contained a building known as the Harton Annex. The plans were to house the newly formed Christian Care Ministry in the Annex as a ministry of comprehensive benevolence, attempting to meet a wide scope of needs in the community. With the help of RA’s and their leaders, the annex was cleaned and ready to serve people on December 1, 1983.
The “Together We Build” program was accepted by the church for funding the renovating of the auditorium and old Educational Building. A report was sought and received from the architectural department of the Baptist Sunday School Board. Meanwhile, two debt-retirement Sundays had paid off the annex debt. Now, in the fall of 1984, the goal for renovation was $500,000 through “Together We Build.”
That same year a new ministry by youth was the “Clown in Action” which was a hit with Backyard Bible Clubs. They were also used for a “Storytime” at Lannom Library the following year.
In December of 1984 a symbolic tree in the sanctuary, called a Chrismon tree, was used for the first time. It was adorned with many Christian symbols in white and gold made by the ladies of the church.
In January of 1985 the Building Committee accepted the bid of $500,000 for renovation of the auditorium and the old Educational Building. The amount that had been pledged through Together We Build should completely retire the incurred debt including interest. During construction the worship services were held in Fellowship Hall and the community was very generous in coming to the aid of the church. The office moved to the vacant Queen City Hospital building across the street along with some of the Sunday School classes. Other classes were in a nearby office building and the library closed during construction. In June First Baptist accepted an invitation from Highland Baptist Church for a baptism and a joint worship service. October 13, 1985, was “A Day of Celebration and Dedication” for the completion of the renovation.
Other Events in the Eighties
The Sunday School Extension Department included Life Care Center, Autumn Manor, and Oakland Retirement Center. The Homebound ministry was added that year.
Summer of 1986 came and the youth were eagerly studying and preparing for the Mission to Michigan. At Houghton Lake there would be a construction project, Backyard Bible Clubs, puppets, survey work, and music. There were 33 adults and 20 youth making the trip.
In December of 1987, with $20,000 in special offerings, the congregation ordered new concrete columns for the front of the church. Engineers recommended sub-surface work and a new foundation that amounted to another $11,853 which was financed. The church soon had new white concrete columns. It also became more visitor friendly by establishing a Welcome Center near the office with guides to usher visitors to a Sunday School class. There were spaces outside designated “visitor parking.”
A new tradition was begun by the RAs to help the Lottie Moon offering. They began, in October of 1987, to collect aluminum cans to be recycled. The money was then presented to missions by one of the RA boys during the White Christmas service. In a few months they had collected 159 pounds for a total of $55.60. The next whole year’s collection brought $135.55.
Another tradition was begun on the first Sunday of December, 1987, called “Hanging of the Green”. This was an evening service of dressing the worship place for the season of Christmas celebration and explaining the meaning of each addition. The children and youth choirs were featured in placing greenery and in a musical presentation.
On February14, 1988, the First Baptist Church of Tullahoma was recognized for having recently reached the $1,000,000 mark in giving to the Cooperative Program. The church was regularly giving 17 ¾ percent of the offering to the program. This presentation was made by Dr. Tom Madden, Executive Director of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, and former pastor.
Thirty youth and five adults from FBC attended the Youth Evangelism Conference at Nashville in March. The Personal Witnessing Conference was led by FBC youth with performances by clown, puppet, and drama teams along with Heartsong ensemble and the youth choir. Their program was presented to more than 1,000 youth.
Organized recreation included church league basketball for children and youth. The teams played against other churches. This began much earlier and continued for many years as a popular sport. Some years there were girls’ softball and men’s softball and occasionally tennis and a bowling league.
In 1988, at the 100th anniversary of the WMU, participants wore special costumes for the program, ”A Century to Celebrate – A Future to Fulfill.” That future continues to be fulfilled through support of missions around the world and sponsorship of children’s mission organizations.
Another improvement to the church plant came as a direct result of the WMU Centennial Celebration in 1988. Because the group wanted to do something tangible for the church, they voted in September to be the catalyst in having Fellowship Hall redecorated. In October “Fellowship Hall Sunday” was observed, receiving a special offering to complete the project. The group also presented the church with a decorative hand made quilt commemorating the history of WMU. It is displayed in a glassed in frame near the hallway entrance to the sanctuary.
During this time the Baptist Men were still sponsoring workdays at Cumberland Chapel which continued to be a mission of FBC. They held an awards breakfast for the RA’s.
First Baptist, still a friend to Motlow College and supporting the Baptist Student Union, observed “BSU Building Day” on November 6, 1988. The offering for this purpose was $1,344.50. The new building was dedicated on October 29, 1989.
For about five years the Christian Care Ministry had been housed in the Annex. In one August it had ministered to 224 families with food, clothing, vouchers, medical bills, and utility bills. Now it was time to demolish the deteriorating building. In January of 1989 the Care Ministry officially moved to the small kitchen area near the stage end (Lincoln Street end) of Fellowship Hall, where it is still active, open two hours on Monday and Friday mornings.
Victory Day
As the current bank note for “Together We Build” (TWB) was due in February, a “Victory Day” offering brought the fund to within $5,000. By March 26, 1989, the church family had completed the TWB challenge. During this building program the congregation gave $575,192.48, representing the church’s largest indebtedness to date paid in record time. This was celebrated by an April 5th “Day of Victory” note burning.
Continuing to further the ministry of Southern Baptists in Michigan, a small construction team of seven men, along with men from two other churches in the Duck River Baptist Association, traveled to Houghton Lake to frame and roof a church building in spring of 1989. In June FBC took a special offering of $5,067.70 for that church. That summer youth conducted VBS and gave concerts while adults worked at construction, preparing meals, and doing clerical work in Houghton Lake and Roscommon, Michigan.
With their usual caring and generosity to those in need, FBC gave a special offering in October for victims of Hurricane Hugo. Many of the church family enabled girls to attend the National Acteen Conference in San Antonio, Texas, when Acteens offered to do odd jobs for church members, such as, wash windows, rake leaves, etc. The activity was called “Rent a Teen.”
First Baptist entered the computer age in October, 1989, when the church accepted the proposal from Church Information Systems for the purchase of a computer. The system included hardware, software, maintenance, and training for $4,691. Special gifts to the designated fund and some budgeted funds met the full cost.
The Nineties
The church had voted favorably on two major expenditures. A new Aerotech 26 passenger bus was delivered on March 12, 1990. The contract for the demolition of the Harton Annex building was let at a cost $16,000 after a feasibility study and in keeping with Vision 21.
A plea came to First Baptist from Lake City, Michigan, to make a commitment to assist them with a building fund. FBC generously voted to make it a line item of $1,200 for three years (1991, 1992, 1993) in the church budget. This year marked a decade of “Mission to Michigan.” Not only did FBC give monetarily, they also traveled to Lake City with an agenda of construction, Vacation Bible School, and worship services. There were 36 youth, college students, and adults.
The youth of FBC, in September of 1991, also took part in “See You at the Pole,” a student prayer emphasis for spiritual awakening on campus. This is a nationwide yearly happening around the flagpole at the beginning of school before classes begin.
In February of 1992 the mission on the mountain felt that with God’s help they were ready to become a church. First Baptist deeded the property listed as Cumberland Baptist Church to the congregation. There was a stipulation that if the church ceases to be a Southern Baptist Church it will revert back to First Baptist of Tullahoma. This was the fourth mission aided by FBC to be constituted as a church.
The “XYZ Club” renamed themselves in September of 1992. This very active group became the “JOY” Group (Just Older Youth).
In December of 1992 the membership voted to buy the lot upon which Queen City Infirmary had formerly stood. The purchase price was $115,000. There was much work to be done to make the lot usable; but it was soon to be used for special events, such as block parties for children from surrounding neighborhoods, Vacation Bible School, and later a paved parking lot and park.
Association Member
First Baptist Church is a part of the Duck River Baptist Association and contributes 3% of the budgeted offerings. Besides being financially involved, many of the DRBA meetings have been held at First Baptist including World Missions banquets.
In the summer of 1993 a construction crew from First Baptist helped a sister church in Boynton Valley near Manchester by painting the church. In 1994 they did a week of construction work on a new sanctuary there while the FBC women provided lunch each day. Soon after that, FBC gave them a monetary contribution of $3,500 from the Bold Missions Fund and made a special offering to assist Cumberland Baptist Church. The Baptist men had also used their skills in a workday at New Vision Church at Murfreesboro (not in DRBA). In July of 1995 the FBC ladies fed a team of 25 from Mississippi who had come on a mission to conduct Vacation Bible School at Boynton Valley.
A church sign was needed on East Lincoln Street. The sign that was installed in January of 1994 has removable letters for advertising coming events. The price was $5,040 with church members doing the installing that cost approximately $300 to $400.
In December of 1994 First Baptist initiated a new ministry to the community called the Shepherd’s Table. This was a dinner for anyone who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone and would enjoy Christian fellowship. It was a ministry of hospitality, food, and time as people prepared the meal and visited with those who would partake of it. The contributions of time and financial asistance, even from other churches, was phenomenal.
The Marsh-Holt Scholarship Fund was established in January of 1995 by Woman’s Missionary Union through the gift of a WMU member of First Baptist Church at her death. The interest from this fund plus any individual contributions and memorials given to this fund would be used as scholarships for FBC members attending a seminary.
In the same month the Homebound Ministry began with renewed emphasis and is still very active today. A leader and a support team volunteer to visit shut-ins at least once a month. The church provides Sunday School literature, Homelife, and Mature Living magazines as well as Open Windows daily devotional publication. The object is to brighten these members’ lives who were formerly active, and would love to be today. This and the radio broadcasts of the worship service on Sunday mornings enable these cherished members to feel a part of the church life.
In April of 1995 FBC participated in the groundbreaking for the new Duck River Baptist Association Building at a new site on the Winchester Highway. Men from First Baptist worked beside those from other associational churches in doing the framing and many other tasks that summer. The Baptist Women took part in furnishing lunches for the construction teams.
“Homecoming 95” was an occasion in September that brought many former members and staff for a celebration in “worship and memory” followed by a church-wide dinner. The high point of this celebration was the bestowing of the title “Pastor Emeritus” upon Dr. Oley C. Kidd, Dr. Tom Madden, and Dr. James Porch each of whom addressed the congregation.
Historical Committee
In February of 1996 a new committee called the Historical Committee was formed for the purpose of cataloging and documenting current and past history of FBC. It consisted of three members and two ex-officio members who were the librarian and the church clerk.
During World War II and the Camp Forrest era First Baptist had opened a “Center for Servicemen” with Mrs. Cockrum employed as the hostess. Her family has donated to the Historical Committee the scrapbook she kept with snapshots and letters from servicemen indicating how much this ministry had meant to them. The pages from her extensive album have been carefully placed in the transparent pages of an archival, acid free album. This album and a multitude of the church’s photos, documents, programs, newspaper clippings and old minutes from business meetings have been filed in fireproof cabinets. A collection of portraits of past ministers and the First Baptist Charter have recently been framed and mounted in the hall near the library.
Changes
During 1996, between pastors, some doctrinal differences surfaced in the church. A Tennessee Baptist consultant was used and an “Intentional Interim” pastor for a period of time, after which a former FBC pastor was called as interim. In May of 1996 the membership was saddened by the request of 76 members to have their letters sent to the New Baptist Church (temporary name). These families totaled 100 persons. Later the New Baptist Church became King’s Cross Church, which is a thriving church on Turkey Creek Road. Although not affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, they are winning the lost to Christ and are meeting needs just as First Baptist Church has continued to do.
In that same year the church continued its ministry with “Youth on Mission” to Tampa, Florida, in the summer. The Clown Ministry conducted worship services at Tims Ford Park. VBS was conducted for adults and children, and a neighborhood Block Party was held on the church annex lawn.
The Care Ministry began contributing $100 monthly to Good Samaritan to help with the utilities and deposits of those in need. In December the White Christmas gifts filled 140 boxes. The third annual Shepherd’s Table was provided.
A New Day is Dawning
First Baptist Church continued to reach out and to minister to the community. In April 1997 two billboards were rented advertising that “A New Day is Dawning” and showing the new logo. A love offering by the congregation paid for these signs. A contribution of $800 was made to Imagination Station, a playground for children, built as a citywide effort by volunteers. Many work hours were also contributed by FBC men in the construction and by women in baby sitting for volunteers and contributing food.
A house on the Duck River Baptist Association property was approved for a counseling ministry. FBC continues to support this ministry.
Many worthwhile projects were a part of the WMU agenda. One that was noteworthy was the financial help and gifts of items needed in Hart Cottage at the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home. First Baptist continues to contribute a love offering to the Home on Mothers’ Day.
The church approved $6,300 at the 1997 November business meeting for the church’s first “Living Nativity.” Construction began soon after Thanksgiving. A concert was presented every thirty minutes by either the adult or the children’s choir; shepherds watched their flocks in the “annex” lot beside the church; and the manger scene was on the lot across the street from the church. A welcome station outside the Chapel served free hot beverages and cookies. This took many volunteers for construction, costumes, make-up, food, lighting, cast, and programs.
This was the first of an annual event that has grown into “A Night in Bethlehem”, from the manger to the cross.
Hundreds from the community attended a program presented by a team of Christian body building champions, “The Power Team”, from January 7-11,1998. They were also invited into the schools where their Christian testimonies against drugs and alcohol were well received.
During 1998 the youth mission trip was to Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and a construction team of men traveled to Durand, Michigan. They did not neglect community needs, but replaced the roof on the storage building of Good Samaritan.
As regards the church plant, eight people were elected in February to the Facilities Planning Committee to evaluate current facilities, determine their adequacy, research needs for future development, and present findings and recommendations. A coordinating Committee was elected in April to develop and maintain a plan for the coordination of all church properties in regard to aesthetics. New chairs and round tables were purchased for Fellowship Hall and there were minor renovations to children’s facilities. A complete renovation of the Chapel was accomplished by the custodial staff and faithful volunteers, who became tagged as the “Levites” for their continuing work around the church. In the beautiful Chapel sits the original organ from the old stone block church on the corner, having been completely restored by a skilled church member.
Several significant things happened in 1999. A group of college students went to Memphis on mission, and “Youth on Mission” went to Texas and Mexico. The congregation purchased another bus in that year and dual worship services/dual Sunday Schools began in 1999 to utilize rooms more efficiently because of a lack of class space.
“Judgement House,” a drama with youth and others playing parts that show the plan of salvation, began in 1999. This was to become almost a yearly event for October. Hundreds of people would attend and many made professions of faith. Another community outreach project formed in 1999 was MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). The young mothers could leave their preschoolers in the nursery and enjoy fellowship, crafts, Bible study, and refreshments.
The Historical Committee was blessed with a shadow box built by a skilled church member. It would be used for historical displays and is mounted across from the library.
2000 - Today
As was true with most of the world, First Baptist Church prepared for computer glitches to wreak havoc upon our nation or community. FBC’s preparation included stockpiles of water and other items to share with others in the community. January 1, 2000, came without a mishap.
A vision of the staff was fulfilled when the Intercessory Prayer Room was opened in February of 2000 between the chapel and the office area. It had required some changes which were accomplished by volunteers and became a beautiful and quiet place for individual “prayer warriors” to pray and write notes called “prayergrams” to those listed as requesting prayer.
A Billy Graham Crusade, held in Nashville in June, brought two bus loads of people from Tullahoma First Baptist. Through the years FBC has conducted revivals and Bible studies with visiting ministers. One memorable time was the Biblical proofs conference, entitled “Defending the Faith” led by Dr. Steven Collins. This study was September 24-27, 2000.
Four college students served on the foreign mission field during spring break as follows: one to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; one to Katmandu, Nepal; and two to Poland. That summer the youth were at work on a mission trip to Texas and Mexico. In 2001 three more college students became summer missionaries to Zambia, Indonesia, and Romania. That same summer an adult group went on a construction mission to Woodhaven, Michigan. Many others not listed here have also given a summer to mission work.
A new organization for children was formed in September of 2000. “Awana” (Approved Workmen and Not Ashamed) met on Sunday nights during the evening worship. It is a time of Bible memorization, games, mission study, etc. with the children earning awards for their work.
His Vision … Our Passion
The “Grace Alone” plan for future growth had been developed in 2000 when the membership had voted to buy the Sears building as soon as it become available. It included the purchase and the renovation of the Sears Building, a parking lot, church vestibule addition (later omitted), park area with fountain, choir room and Sanctuary renovations. A new designated fund, “His Vision … our passion,” was adopted and celebrated by the church family in August of 2002 and on November 2, 2002, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the renovation of the newly acquired building.
During 2003 a beautiful rock walled fountain with an available baptismal pool was built, the park was landscaped, and the parking lot across Grundy Street from the church was paved. The park was later named “Living Water Park.”
The Sears Building, on the northeast corner of Grundy and Atlantic streets, at various times housed a World War II bus station, Piggly Wiggly, and Big Star grocery stores, and most recently a Sears Roebuck retail store. Using both volunteers and skilled professional workers, it was completely renovated and transformed into a beautiful center for youth and other ministries in FBC and the community. Following the dedication of the new Ministry Center on September 14, 2003, a baptism was performed in the fountain pool for the first time. The name “Ministry Center” reminds us that we did not build it just for FBC but that it might be a place of ministry to reach the people of Tullahoma and the surrounding community, just as the park could also be enjoyed by others.
Vacation Bible School has been an integral part of First Baptist Church even before this fifty-year period. Crafts and Bible stories, refreshments and games with many excited children and dedicated teachers are the norm. In 2003 “Kingdom Caper” with an English theme used a red double-decker bus to take children to places to “do” missions, such as a visit to an assisted care home. The bus was usually used in Nashville to feed the homeless, so the students learned to share by bringing paper plates, napkins, and other paper goods to be used in that ministry.
A group of eight adults, including the pastor, were commissioned by the church body as missionaries to Thailand for the period January 8 – 19, 2004. It was the first of two mission trips to Thailand. There they were able to distribute Christian material to the tourists from China.
The first Super Bowl fellowship and chili supper was held in the new Ministry Center in February of 2004. This family and friends event had its own program during the halftime and has become an annual event.
One of the adult Sunday School classes sponsored the third annual “Resurrection Trail” on April 4th. It depicts the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. It is held outdoors before Easter and is both fun, (with Easter eggs and candy), and spiritual for the children of the church and the community.
The Triple Jubilee Committee of 12 was elected in October of 2004. The purpose was to plan the 150th celebration of First Baptist Church with a theme of “Reaching His Vision Together.”
Great progress was made in “His Vision … our passion” in 2005. The renovation of the choir room area and restrooms began in January with mostly volunteer labor. This project was finished in April. The worship center renovation began in July necessitating a transitional schedule. The 8:30 a.m. service was held in Fellowship Hall and there were two simultaneous 11:00 a.m. services due to a lack of space. Both 11:00 a.m. services had the same text but different ministers. The evening service met in the Ministry Center.
Another milestone was passed in “His Vision …our passion” with the dedication of the professionally renovated Worship Center in October of 2005. This was made possible due to the aid of a designated fund begun by a generous gift from an estate two years earlier. The Worship Center remodeling included painting and carpeting, enlarging the stage, refurbishing the foyer, constructing new balcony stair banisters and shutters for the upper windows, refinishing and reupholstering pews, and adding a new sound system
Even during the church improvement others were not forgotten. The WMU helped transients by giving vouchers for lodging at a local motel and gift cards in cooperation with the Tullahoma Police Department’s poverty program. In June the Southern Baptist Convention met in Nashville, Tennessee. FBC took a bus to the convention two nights to attend the meetings. This was in addition to the official church messengers. The church family gave financial aid amounting to $1,570 to victims of Hurricane Katrina through the Red Cross. They also collected some necessities that were being transported there by another church. Many individuals from FBC worked at the local facility where the victims were being housed and fed.
The JOY Group, in addition to ministering to shut-ins and other volunteer commitments, attended a fall party – “Strolling through the Fifties.” Also a bus load of seniors traveled to Pennsylvania to see the excellent Biblical plays “Ruth” and “David.”
Beloved traditions continued to take place in December of 2005. The Hanging of the Green service with all choirs participating in concert and finishing decorative touches was also the beginning of the in-gathering of the Lottie Moon offering (Goal $30,000). A more formal Christmas family dinner with two seatings was held on a Wednesday night with help of the Hospitality Committee and Food Staff. There was a short musical program following each meal.
White Christmas service brought in white bags of groceries for those in need. These were boxed and taken to homes the next day after adding a hen, candy, and fresh fruit. Deacons had visited these families in prior weeks to verify that they would expect the groceries.
A Night in Bethlehem, held December 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. had added a cross at the far end of the walk, enhanced by a spot-light. This reminded the viewer that the stable was the beginning but through the cross salvation was provided for all. A dramatic Biblical monologue and a world class juggler with a Biblical message attracted children and adults.
Christmas Eve service, always attended by many extended families, was held with the reading of the Christmas story from the Bible and featuring actors as Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. At the conclusion of the service each individual’s candle was lit from that of his neighbor signifying Jesus as the light of the world. On Christmas Day, one morning service was held celebrating the birth of Jesus.
2006
As 2006 is the year the church celebrated its 150th birthday, the Triple Jubilee Committee planned a kick-off day for January 22, 2006. As the steeple was under construction at the time, the organ chimes were used to represent the old bell that is still housed there. With a guest speaker on the kick-off day and a history of the bell, the congregation sang the “Doxology” and some old hymns. Video presentations of some of the church members would be shown throughout the year. The church charter, which had been found by the Historical Committee and framed, was presented. The corner stone in the Chapel would be opened to find its contents on August 27, 2006. Other highlights followed throughout the year with the culmination on September 16th and 17th. An Open House was held on the 16th with historical exhibits on display. A banquet would follow that evening by reservation where a video of the history of the church would be shown. That Sunday would be the 150th year Celebration Service, with Dr. James Porch, Pastor Emeritus and Executive Director - Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, as guest speaker.
Hurricane Katrina has touched the hearts of this church family to the extent that four mission trips were taken to Lake Shore, Mississippi to build houses near a small Baptist Church which was totally demolished. Its steeple and a sign stand beside the street and the congregation, which has grown considerably since the hurricane, now assemble in an air-conditioned tent. The people need places to live so FBC men and women are helping to meet that need. By the middle of May the congregation had given $6,260 for the bus trips and food for workers on site while they pay for their own meals in transit. The groups have each shown slides and made touching reports to FBC after their week’s labor of love working along side other volunteers.
Woman’s Missionary Union is not as strong as it was 50 years ago - or even ten years ago. This seems to be in large part due to more and more working mothers. There are also more and varied things consuming their time – all of them important. WMU ladies have still encouraged and supported mission endeavors with money, prayers, and hands-on-activities. From the Marsh-Holt Fund they have awarded the $1,000 scholarship to five individuals who were going to seminary and had submitted an application.
Foreign Missions at Home
English as a Second Language class (Friends International) completed its third year in May of 2006. The church launched the new mission ministry in 2003 with the commissioning of workers who would be involved in the class. These teachers had completed a two-day study provided by the Tennessee Baptist Convention at FBC. The next year three new teachers were reimbursed by FBC for the trip to the TBC at Nashville for the same two day course. It is a Tennessee Baptist Convention mission and it is truly a mission.
In 2005-06 there were approximately 25 ESL students in five levels of conversational English. A short Bible reading and prayer are part of each class. These ladies have come from Japan, Mexico, Russia, Ukraine, China, Spain, and maybe more. They are very appreciative of the childcare provided by FBC, the hospitality, the volunteer instructors, and the refreshments that the WMU has so generously provided for the last three years. The ESL students contributed $200 to the foreign missions fund last December. They also gave $103 to missions at the end of the school term in May of 2006 to show their deep appreciation.
Other Continuing Programs
Sunday School, a major part of the educational program of the church, is a time for Bible study and has averaged 564 during the first quarter of 2006. There are 42 different classes with many adult classes to choose from, such as couples, singles, ladies, men’s of different ages. Sunday School groups are ready to minister to the sick and bereaved, as well as having class meetings or fellowships and getting to know each other better. Sunday morning worship service at Life Care Center has continued for thirty plus years through faithful volunteers.
The church library, a busy place, has grown to approximately 6,000 items. The librarians have each served many years, giving their time voluntarily, as have their assistants.
The annual Baby Dedication Day, at which four babies were dedicated, was made more special because of the 150th anniversary year of the church. A film of some of the history was shown. Its predecessor, the Cradle Roll, active through some of the fifties and sixties, included a visit to the home to present a certificate and a small New Testament, enrolling the child into the church cradle roll or nursery.
A successful Bible School was held in June with a “Fiesta” theme. The offering received from the children helped another local church group with a mission trip.
The “Youth on Mission” for 2006 was a challenging trip to Western Heights in East Tennessee. There they ministered to low- income families and gave caring reports to the FBC congregation. They later hosted a First Baptist Church family supper with the proceeds helping to defray the cost of the summer Student Life Camp, held at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. Many other enriching and fun activities were planned for the summer.
An annual event took place when 26 graduates wearing caps and gowns were recognized at the 11:00 service. It was complete with a video of their baby pictures and senior pictures. They and their parents were honored at breakfast at the Ministry Center prior to the service.
The Music Ministry has continued to bring well-known Christian artists to the congregation and the public. The faithful adult choir has again shown its talent along with the orchestra, youth, and younger choirs. “God and Country” at Fourth of July was especially stirring. Dinner on the grounds followed. (The service honored many of the church who are now serving or have served in the military, police department, or fire department.) The children’s choirs produced Biblical extravaganzas through much hard work during the year. “Gospel Heritage Night” has become a very popular August event. Many come from the community to hear the various FBC soloists, quartets, and vocal ensembles singing the old gospel songs.
In the First Baptist congregation, many active Deacons still minister through the Family Care Plan. Most have many other ways in which they minister to the church. They have traditionally had a Christmas dinner that included widows of Deacons, but for several years now a tradition has been added by honoring all widows of the church as their guests for this evening event.
The Christian Care Ministry is still open on Mondays and Fridays for two hours in the morning. Through June of this year the Ministry had served 357 individuals.
Prayer meetings are on Monday evening and on Wednesday evening there is a kaleidoscope of programs including Bible study and Divorce Care, children’s programs, and church family dinners. There is a ladies’ Bible study on Tuesday at the Ministry Center that is attended by many from the community.
This history does not tell nearly enough to fathom all that takes place at First Baptist Church and how God has blessed us as we strive to be a blessing to others. There is no way to count all the individuals and staff who have wielded a hammer, rocked babies, cooked, taught Sunday School, vacation Bible School, Bible Study courses or missions groups, prayed for others who were on mission, driven a bus, given of their artistic or musical ability. Countless hours have been given unselfishly for any program or social event to come about or for building and decorating. Many more young people have served as summer missionaries, and some have become missionaries, have gone into the ministry or other full time Christian work.
It is our prayer that the dreams we dream for the church’s future are the dreams of our Maker for His people. And, if they are not, that He gives us the wisdom to know the right direction as He also bestows His continued peace and harmony.
Just as Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve,” hopefully the past has shown a love of our neighbor (anyone who has a need). Hopefully too, and prayerfully, the past has shown a love of Jesus Christ and a passion for bringing others to know Him. Thus, it is our prayer that “all who come behind us find us faithful.”
