History
Our Heritage
As we look back over the past many many years it is with deep humility that we remember those who went before us. We must consider the hardships they faced to establish what we know as a beautiful , well appointed edifice with all the modern conveniences we take for granted today. They had little worldly goods but a dauntless spirit to meet and fellowship with other Christians in worshiping God. They have left us a heritage of which we can be proud of.
1887 Quote from Original Minutes
On July 10, 1887, a group of twelve people led by God met to establish a house of worship in Falkville, Alabama.
The twelve who met were led by Thomas J. Weaver, Missionary of the Muscle Shoals Association, and Elder W. G. W Smith.
(Following is a copy of the constituting of our Church.)
"Falkville, Alabama, July 10, 1887
According to previous appointment the Brethren and Sisters at Falkville bearing Certificates of Fellowship from sister churches assembled at the place above mentioned, a Presbytery being present, consisting of Elder Thomas J. Weaver, Missionary of the Muscle Shoals Association, and Elder W.G.W. Smith, the meeting was called to order by Elder T. J. Weaver, moderator, and Elder W.G.W. Smith, Clerk.
Invitation was given for those who desired to enter into the organization of a Missionary Baptist Church at Falkville, Morgan County, Alabama, and the following names were presented:
Elder W.G.W. Smith and wife, Mary Smith
J.M. McDaniel and Wife, Amanda McDaniel
Sister L.F. Patterson
T.L. Simpson
J.M. Simpson
Ader Simpson
R.T. Brown and wife, Bush Brown
Sister Mary Swann
Sister N.M. Ratliff
The following covenant was adopted:
'Trusting that we have been led by the Holy Spirit to enoble the Lord Jesus Christ and give ourselves wholly to Him, we do now solemnly and joyfully covenant with each other to walk together in Him with brotherly love. We do not, depending upon His grace and love solemnly covenant with each other to exercise and affectionate care for and watchfulness over each other and to faithfully admonish and entreat one another in brotherly love and that we will not neglect the assembly of ourselves together no neglect to pray for ourselves and for others, that we will endeavor to bring up such as may be under our care in the fear of the Lord; and by a pure and holy example seek to win our kindred to holiness and eternal life; that we will rejoice in each other's happiness and with tenderness and sympathy bear each other's burdens. That we will not report any members to the church for any personal trespass against us until we have taken the steps taught by our Lord in the 18th chapter of Matthew, and that all private offenses which can be privately settled we will never make public.
That we will, as the Lord prospers us, generously and faithfully contribute of our substance to aid in supporting a faithful and evangelical ministry among us to relieve the poor and to send faithful ministers to preach the gospel of Jesus to them that have it not.
All through life amidst evil report and good report we will humbly and earnestly seek to live to the glory and honor of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Amen'
Upon which the Church was declared by the presbytery to be duly organised. Prayer was then made for the divine guidance and protection of the Church.
(Elder Thos. J. Weaver)
(Elder W.G.W. Smith) Presbytery"
The Church then went into conference:
T.L. Simpson
James M. McDaniel
5. Adjourned in order.
T.J. Weaver, Moderator
W.G.W. Smith, Church Clerk"
Elder J.E. Weaver held the first preaching service of the Baptist Church of Christ at Falkville August 31, 1887, after which the first conference was held. The Church doors were opened for members. It was agreed to send delegates to the Muscle Shoals Association bearing petitionary letter for admittance to that body. J.M. McDaniel and T.L. Simpson were selected as delegates. The church called Elder J.E. Weaver to take the pastoral charge of the Church for the next associational year; T.L Simpson was appointed church clerk.
The twelve who met were led by Thomas J. Weaver, Missionary of the Muscle Shoals Association, and Elder W. G. W Smith.
(Following is a copy of the constituting of our Church.)
"Falkville, Alabama, July 10, 1887
According to previous appointment the Brethren and Sisters at Falkville bearing Certificates of Fellowship from sister churches assembled at the place above mentioned, a Presbytery being present, consisting of Elder Thomas J. Weaver, Missionary of the Muscle Shoals Association, and Elder W.G.W. Smith, the meeting was called to order by Elder T. J. Weaver, moderator, and Elder W.G.W. Smith, Clerk.
Invitation was given for those who desired to enter into the organization of a Missionary Baptist Church at Falkville, Morgan County, Alabama, and the following names were presented:
Elder W.G.W. Smith and wife, Mary Smith
J.M. McDaniel and Wife, Amanda McDaniel
Sister L.F. Patterson
T.L. Simpson
J.M. Simpson
Ader Simpson
R.T. Brown and wife, Bush Brown
Sister Mary Swann
Sister N.M. Ratliff
The following covenant was adopted:
'Trusting that we have been led by the Holy Spirit to enoble the Lord Jesus Christ and give ourselves wholly to Him, we do now solemnly and joyfully covenant with each other to walk together in Him with brotherly love. We do not, depending upon His grace and love solemnly covenant with each other to exercise and affectionate care for and watchfulness over each other and to faithfully admonish and entreat one another in brotherly love and that we will not neglect the assembly of ourselves together no neglect to pray for ourselves and for others, that we will endeavor to bring up such as may be under our care in the fear of the Lord; and by a pure and holy example seek to win our kindred to holiness and eternal life; that we will rejoice in each other's happiness and with tenderness and sympathy bear each other's burdens. That we will not report any members to the church for any personal trespass against us until we have taken the steps taught by our Lord in the 18th chapter of Matthew, and that all private offenses which can be privately settled we will never make public.
That we will, as the Lord prospers us, generously and faithfully contribute of our substance to aid in supporting a faithful and evangelical ministry among us to relieve the poor and to send faithful ministers to preach the gospel of Jesus to them that have it not.
All through life amidst evil report and good report we will humbly and earnestly seek to live to the glory and honor of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Amen'
Upon which the Church was declared by the presbytery to be duly organised. Prayer was then made for the divine guidance and protection of the Church.
(Elder Thos. J. Weaver)
(Elder W.G.W. Smith) Presbytery"
The Church then went into conference:
- Adopted the Articles of Faith of the Muscle Shoals Association and agreed to represent in that Association.
- Agreed that the Church should be the Missionary Baptist Church of Christ at Falkville.
- Agreed to meet on the 4th Sabbath and Saturday before in each month.
- Appointed as Trustees to look after the building of a house of worship for the church brethren:
T.L. Simpson
James M. McDaniel
5. Adjourned in order.
T.J. Weaver, Moderator
W.G.W. Smith, Church Clerk"
Elder J.E. Weaver held the first preaching service of the Baptist Church of Christ at Falkville August 31, 1887, after which the first conference was held. The Church doors were opened for members. It was agreed to send delegates to the Muscle Shoals Association bearing petitionary letter for admittance to that body. J.M. McDaniel and T.L. Simpson were selected as delegates. The church called Elder J.E. Weaver to take the pastoral charge of the Church for the next associational year; T.L Simpson was appointed church clerk.