The First Baptist Church of East Point is an architectural gem in East Point. With its crenellated tower and stone work, the religious community in the city center has been a place for believers to gather for 125 years.
On Saturday, April 12, nearly 600 past and current members will celebrate the history as the church, on East Point Street, with its aging congregation says farewell to its home.
"The contribution of the individuals and the collective history of this congregation must not be overlooked or forgotten. ... As the future unfolds the unique plan of God for this congregation will be revealed." (church website.)
Southern Baptists make up one of the largest religious groups in the country. However, their membership has been declining locally. The Association of Religion Association Archives reported in Fulton County between 2000 and 2010, the number of Southern Baptists fell almost 10 percent, in contrast to growth in 29 counties around Atlanta.
The older church community, which is predominately white, found willing partners with the Fellowship Group Baptist Church, which is predominantly black. Fellowship will take ownership of the building.
Hundreds are expected to attend a special event Saturday at the church to mark the occasion.
The pastor James Wallis wrote on the church's Facebook page:
"We are celebrating a rich history spanning 125 years that will continue through the Fellowship Group Baptist Church who will adopt the name First Baptist Church after April 12. I trust that all who come will be in a Celebratory Spirit. We still don't dance in the church even though, it is called for at this time. The palmist speaks of dancing before the Lord. God has blessed our church and we believe we are planting a church through our decisions that will continue to advance the Lord's work in East Point Georgia. It's time to celebrate."
- What is the mood of the community?
The mood of the congregation is a mixture of joy and sadness. We are sad because we are concluding a 125 year history, but we are glad and joyful that the Fellowship Group will assume the Mission of reaching this community for Christ and the Church.
- How do the eyes of faith help the community understand what is happening?
The church believes that God has led both congregations to both a beginning of one and the conclusion of the other.
- Will the new church name be the Fellowship Group Baptist Church?
The Fellowship will become First Baptist Church, assuming our incorporation. It will take a few months to accomplish the name change.
- What will take place on Saturday? I understand a few hundred people are expected to attend?
Saturday will be a Day of Celebration of the first 125 years but the continuation of the Mission through new leadership to continue the journey. It will be a worship service with a choir of present and former choir members, numbering more than 50. Dr. Emmanuel McCall the first pastor and the one who was responsible for the Fellowship Group meeting with us at the present location will speak about the process of our agreement. Rev. Montele Crawford the present pastor of the Fellowship Group will speak about the future, and I will speak on the subject of "Finishing Strong" which will be a survey of the history and mission of the First Baptist Church through it's 125 year history to what I describe as the "Extended work" through the Fellowship Group Baptist Church.
We have 570 reservations for lunch with more coming just for the worship service that begins at 10:30 with lunch at noon. We expect 2 for our members above 100 years of age; one 103 and the other 106.
The Fellowship Group assumed ownership of the church with all debt forgiven on Saturday April 12. We have continued contributing to the upkeep of the church through the years which they have owned the church.
Present members of the First Baptist Church will chose which church in the community where they live that they will become a member. Many of those in East Point will likely join the Jefferson Avenue Baptist Church.
