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Mankind records history as a memorial to the deeds of those who have
served their day and moved on and as a guide and inspiration to those
who follow. It is with this purpose in mind that we review the
history of the Lake Elam Missionary Baptist Church. However, because
of the lack of information at this time, we have composed to the best
of our ability the history of this Church.
In the year of our
Lord 1891, under the leadership of Reverend C. H. Payne, twenty-eight
years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, Lake Elam
Baptist Church was organized; a wooden framed structure sitting high
off the ground on the banks of the Alabama River, at a place called
Jackson Lake.
Later, a spot of
land was donated in Sandtown, and the wooden frame was brought from
the Jackson Lake site. The lumber was moved in many ways, but the main
mode of transportation was an oxen and a wagon. The lumber was moved
from the lake up a dusty path along the L & N railroad track, through
the Widows Home and Long Quarters communities and placed on the lot
where the Old Church used to stand (presently a parking lot) on a spot
of land donated by Deacon John Washington.
The building was
remodeled in 1944 under the leadership of Reverend A. W. Wilson. The
deacons at that time were: V. E. Jackson, Chairman, John Isom, Dave
Crenshaw, John Washington, Fred Williams, Oscar Iverson, Sr., Joe
Washington, Joe Bradley, Andrew Jackson, and Joe Slaton. As the years
rolled by other deacons were added: Oliver Fenderson, Johnny Prince,
V. E. Long, Harry Iverson, Sr., Willie Jackson, D. F. Adams, Walter
Wilson, Will Robinson and Matthew Washington. Later, a dining room,
kitchen and bathrooms were added to the old church structure. Sister
Sabitha Robinson, who also donated the first flowers to the Church,
donated the first Sofa and Chair. Sister Minnie Duncan was the
Secretary and served for many years.
Reverend William
Ashley accepted the calling as Pastor in the year of our Lord 1974,
and under his leadership added more deacons: Deacons Sammy Zeigler,
Joe Brown, Willie Jackson, Clarence Former, Benny Terry, David Perry,
and Elvis M. Pettaway. A Trustee Board was also organized. A
beautiful Foyer was added to the Church, along with central heat and
air, and a Hammond Organ. The land adjacent to the Old Church was
purchased, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and trained
leadership of Reverend William Ashley, church family and many friends,
began the process of building a new structure for Lake Elam Missionary
Baptist Church.
The new structure
was completed January 1996 and Consecration Services were held
February 25, 1996 with Reverend Wilbert Wright serving as Associate
Pastor. In the new structure, we were blessed to have added more room
in the sanctuary, a beautiful Pastor’s study, fellowship hall, five
bathrooms, baptism pool, choir room, and finance office. As time
rolled on our Pastor, William Ashley retired in 1997, and Associate
Pastor Wilbert Wright carried on the flock until 1998.
After fervently praying
for a leader, the Lord answered in the person of Reverend Richard
Russell. As a young man, Pastor Russell has energized the
ministries
of the church. Through the help of the Lord, many ministries were
added and revamped under his leadership.
Under Pastor
Russell’s leadership, our membership and attendance has grown
tremendously as well as the spiritual level of our worship services.
We have eradicated the mortgage of our present sanctuary and purchased
additional land for future expansion of the ministry. Ground breaking
services were held November 14, 2004 for a new sanctuary. It is our
prayer that the Lord will continue to bless us as we continue to
follow the vision that he has given to our Pastor. |
