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OUR CHURCH HISTORY 1972 – 2022
A group of Christians held its first meeting on April 16, 1972, in the home of Mr. M.W. Roberts, with 43 in attendance, for the purpose of beginning a Southern Baptist Church in the McNeill area. During this first meeting officers of the church were elected. On July 26, 1972, Bro. John Hill was called as the first pastor. On August 2, 1972, the church leased the Presbyterian Church to begin worship services. On September 6, 1972, the church agreed to the name Central Baptist Church and voted to seek acceptance into the Pearl River Baptist Association. On February 7, 1973, the church began a building fund for the purpose of building a church. Central had its first revival services on March 16 -21 with Bro. John Graeter preaching. On August 30, 1974, Mr. & Mrs. Dub Kennedy donated property for the church to be built in memory of their son Steven E. Kennedy. On July 20, 1975, the new church building was dedicated to the service of the Lord. On October 21, 1977, the church building caught fire, sustaining damage, but not totally destroyed. On October 29, 1978, the church held a dedication service for their remodeled sanctuary. On April 4, 1981, the church voted to add a baptistery and a steeple.
On December 18, 1988, the church caught fire and was completely destroyed. With the help of members and many other Christians, Central Baptist Church was able to rebuild; and on March 11, 1990, the new church building was dedicated to the service of the Lord. When the building was dedicated on this date it was completely paid in full.
On November 8, 1998, the church held a special dedication/celebration honoring the debt-free completion of its new pastorium.
On May 29, 2005, we held a special dedication/celebration honoring the debt-free completion of our new addition, including offices, nursery, preschool room, kitchen, and fellowship hall.
Bro. Kyle Jones currently serves as Pastor, having been called by the church on March 13, 2022. Bro. Tyler Chisolm currently serves as Youth Director, having been called by the church on March 13, 2022.
Former pastors of Central Baptist Church include: Bro. John Hill; Bro. Joe Beach; Bro. James A. Smith; Bro. Ron Mercer; Bro. Louie E. Johnson; Bro. Steve Smith; Bro. Clark D. Stewart; Bro. Don Bazal; Bro. Brian Flahardy; Bro. Raymond Jeffcoat; Bro. Billy Galloway; and Bro. Kevin Gantt.
Central Baptist Church continues to serve the Lord and be a witness for Christ in the McNeill community. We look back at the last 50 years and see what great things Christ has done and also look forward to what Christ is going to continue to do.
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