A HISTORY OF BIG SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH
1884-1984
Ezra J. Richardson
This history is dedicated tp the many who aided in the accomplishment of this undertaking. My wife, Carolyn and my son Andrew who permit me to meet deadlines. My son Robert who shared in the editing. My friends who typed: Lou Ann Carmen, mary Robinson, and LaVerne Alexander, Mrs. Rubey McKtee, Church Clerk,who assisted in the research. And all the friends, members, and former members of Big Spring Baptist Church who lived this history. |
Copyright 1984 Ezra J. Richardson
BEGINNINGS
The winter wheat was green and growing, birds sang of the coming spring. Big Spring,
Kentucky, was a busy little community with a population of two hundred. It's residents
were excited about the approaching spring. The town was blessed with the presence of two
physicians and one druggist. Other storekeepers included blacksmiths and jewelers, as well
as owners of a general store, a furniture store, and a flour mill. The Big Spring Hotel
was a favorite stopping place for those who came to observe the harness races, the track
was just outside of the town.
That winter the Baptists in the community had been discussing the possibility of
organizing a Baptist church. The initial name mentioned for the new church was United
Baptist Church of Christ; the name finally decided upon was West Big Spring Baptist
Church. Thus, on 23 March 1884 members of various churches in the community came together
as a council and organized West Big Spring Baptist Church. The Council included several
members of Hill Grove Baptist Church and others from Buck Grove Baptist Church, New Salem
Baptist Church, Bewleyville Baptist Church and New Highland Baptist Church.
Their names were-(Hill Grove Baptist Church) S. R. Wrather, J.F. Williams, E. A. Smith, C.
B. Sefoes, Wm. Board, R. Willit Sr., G. W. Smith, (Buck Grove Baptist Church) R. S.
Dowell; (New Salem Baptist Church) B. G. Saunders; (Bewleyville Baptist Church) J. W.
Albright, G. Paul; (New Highland Baptist Church) R. S. Able.
2
The first order of business after the church was organized was calling a pastor. Bro. J.
W. Albright was elected as the first pastor of the West Big Spring Baptist Church. First
deacons elected by the church were A. H. Miller and John Tabor. It was decided that the
meetings would be held on the third Saturday and Sunday of the month; services would begin
at 11:00 both on Saturday and Sunday. On 19 April 1884 the motion was made and carried
that a church building 36 feet wide and 50 feet long with 14 foot ceilings would be
erected.
On 17 May 1884 a pulpit Bible was given to the church by Mrs. Ben Dowell. By 18 October
1884 the outside of the church building had been completed and was ready to be painted.
The first pastor's term was very brief--short stays were typical of many other pastors at
West Big Spring through the years. On 3 January 1885 Bro. Albright resigned and J. J.
Willet was called as pastor for the coming year. Rev. Willet was elected as pastor for the
coming year on 15 May 1886; he resigned the following May. On 18 June 1887 Elder R. C.
Kimble was called as pastor; he would be available for the first meeting on 16 July 1887.
A highlight that occured four years after the organization of West Big Spring Baptist
Church was the election and ordination of two deacsons. The two deacons elected were J. A.
Taber and Gus Dowell.
Bro. B. F. Hagen and Elder R. C. Kimball were invited to assist in the ordination service.
Other churches invited to participate in the ordination council were Bewleyville, Hill
Grove, and New Salem Baptist Churches.
The dedication of the church building was celebrated on the fifth Sunday of December 1889.
Even though no mention had been made in the
3
church's minutes of how funds were raised to pay for the building at the dedication
service it was noted that the building was debt free. In the month after the dedication of
the building Rev. R. C. Kimball resigned as pastor of West Big Spring Baptist Church.
There followed several months in which no meetings were held. On 18 July 1890 the church
voted to call Bro. Kimball again as pastor- -he deferred to answer the call until the
following meeting. On 19 August the church voted to pay the paster $100.00 for the coming
year and at that time the pastor accepted the call. Bro. Kimball continued as pastor until
14 March 1891, when he submitted his resignation. From April until July, Bro. J. D. Dunkin
served ten~.porarily in the absence of a pastor. On 5 December 1891 the church voted to
call Tom Robertson as pastor. He served till 3 September 1892, when he resigned. The
church voted to pay Bro. Robertson for preaching. Apparently they had been unable or
unwilling to pay the preacher at that point.
During the next few months the church continued to meet and selected several individuals
as pastors, but none of those who were called was willing to accept. Finally, on 13 May
1893, Bro. E. W. Barnett accepted the call as pastor. Several other pastors served through
the next few years. On 14 April 1900, H. East accepted the church's call, taking a salary
of $120.00 a year. A highlight of that year was a protracted meeting to begin the third
Sunday in August with Bro. Montgomery Dehalf. During August of that year a motion was made
to invite the Association to meet at West Big Spring Baptist Church on the following year.
Delegates to the Association were elected and included Bros. John Taher, John Richardson,
A. H. Miller, James Humpreys, Jas Taber, Johnnie Richardson and Guff Tabor.
4
During the 20 October meeting the delegates reported to tile church tilat the Association
would meet at West Big Spring Baptist Church the following year. In the November meeting a
motion was made and seconded that the church require five cents (5_) from each member for
the tent that would be used by the Associational Board. Jas Taber was to oversee the
collection frown each church member.
On 16 February 1901 a motion was made that the church take a public collection for the
benefit of the Baptist church at Galveston, Texas. Presumably this was result of damage
done from a hurricane in the Galveston area. In April of that year a committee was
appointed to search for a new pastor. After a failed attempt to call Bro. Partee, Jim
Willet was called as pastor on 20 July 1901. Often in the meetings they would begin by
inquiring about the peace of the church--if all members were at peace they would proceed
with other items of business. If all members present were not at peace committees were
appointed to go and talk individually with the discontented. If the issue could not be
resolved members were sometimes excluded from the church.
On 17 May 1902 the record notes that a member was excluded at his own request. On 15 July
1903 the record indicates that a motion was made to forgive a certain brother because he
had been dancing and church members were instructed to pray for him. On 17 October 1903
one item of business dealt with a sexton being appointed to take care of the church. There
was no meeting in December of that year and then in January 1904 a motion was made to
appoint a committee to raise money to pay the sexton. Then, in June 1904, the committee
reported back that they had raised forty- five cents for the sexton. On 20 August they
paid the sexton four dollars and fifteen cents. During that same period Bro. J. J. Willet
5
accepted the call of the church and indicated that his salary would need to be $10.00 per
month. On 19 November 1904 the church passed a motion to sanction Jim Tabor to petition to
get whiskey out of Big Spring and the motion carried unanimously. The church was involved
at various times with the needs of other churches. For example, on 23 December 1905 the
church voted that Bro. Minter be appointed to help build a church at Constantine. In that
year the church also dropped the use of "West" from it's name and became known
as the Big Spring Baptist Church.
The minutes of church activities from 1913 through 1922 have been lost. Asrecorded in the
annuals of the Salem Association the following individuals served as pastors during that
period: W. S. Shipp, H. S. English, C. E. Hamric, J. W. McGarock, J. J. Hutchinson. Bro
Shipp also served as a missionary for the Salem District Mission Board and gave the
following report at the Board meeting at Big Spring Baptist Church 29 October 1915. This
report was in the Salem Annual for 1916.
"On Monday night after the Association, we began a meeting at Big Spring, which
continued for ten days and nights. There was some interest, but no professions of faith.
We think the church was strengthened by the work done at this time. We think the church
will be ready for self support by first of January. The two appointments for September and
October have been filled and some visiting done."
THE DEPRESSION AND
BEYOND
The next book of minutes of the Big Spring Baptist Church covers the period of 4 June 1922
through 4 August 1957. Big Spring Baptist Church continued to meet on a monthly basis.
Their emphasis included at least one protracted meeting each year which was usually
accomplished when the church had a pastor. The meeting on 1 August 1925 indicated that
there was no pastor. A Bro. Hammack preached from that date until
6
17 September 1927, when the minutes indicate he was called as pastor. Another activity to
which the church was committed was sending appointed delegates to the district mission
board meetings of the Association. At times they indicated that they did not have enough
money to support the board's work, but they would often reimburse individual members who
had paid money to the board from their own pocket.
The care of the church itself often became an item of concern. On 20 October 1928 one of
the items of business called for a motion and second to get locks put on the doors of the
church. Funds continued to be an area of difficulty.- In November 1934, after calling Rev.
Joe Claycomb as new pastor, the church appointed a member to see how much money the
members would promise for the pastor's salary in the coming year. We may presume that they
were able to raise some money, because the next entry into the record of minutes (in
August 1936) indicated that the church meeting was called to order after a sermon by Bro.
Joe Claycomb. They also indicated that there were no minutes of previous meetings to be
read.
In 1936, one of the items of business dealt with raising funds to roof the church. One
meeting indicated that the shingles taken off of the church were to be sold for whatever
could be gotten for them. This was apparently the time at-which the metal roof was put on
the church building. The amount obtained by the church member in charge of selling the
shingles off of the church, Bro. Claud Borders, came to $4.50. Apparently the drive to
raise money to cover the roof of the church was very successful. An item of business on 14
November 1936 indicated that the remainder of the money that had been rationed , pay for
the roof would
be used to repair the sidewalk at the church 23 November 1836
three
7
new deacons were ordained at the Big Spring Baptist Church: Clemmie Farrow, Daniel
Compton, and Claud Borders.
In 1937 the church voted to purchase pests and fix the bell as soon as weather permitted.
In the October 1937 r.meeting the church voted to call Bro. F. W. Martin as pastor for one
year, paying him $5.00 per month and requesting that the District Mission Board also
provide $5.00 per month. The Board agreed to this financial supplement and met with the
church on 30 October.
The 15 May 1938 business session indicated that there were only a few members present to
act on the business at hand. The motion was made that business meetings and Saturday
services be eliminated, with the business meeting being held after the regular preaching
service on Sunday. In 1938 the Board was still providing financial support to the church.
They had agreed to pay $4.00 per month on the pastor's salary, with the provision made
that they would do so "when they have any money in the treasure." Also in
November 1938, a motion was made and seconded that the church would elect someone to clean
the church and ring the bell --Ida Condor was elected as sexton. "We are to pay her
twenty-five cents for cleaning the church and fifteen cents each Sunday she rings the bell
and builds the fire." In March 1939 the church voted in business session to paint the
church. A committee was established to see that money was
raised to buy the paint.
In following business meetings the ladies that were appointed to the committee were
released one by one as they turned in the money which they had raised for the buying of
the paint for the church. "Motion was made and seconded that we dismiss Mrs. Nall
from committee for money to paint church, she having turned in $20.50." In July that
same year
8
another member was released from the committee having turned in $16.75. By August 1939 the
financial situation had apparently improved and the church voted not to ask the Board for
financial help during the coming year.
Nineteen thirty-eight began a period during which a pastor, Brother D. V. Keys, remained
at the church for several years. He was called as pastor in October 1938 and resigned in
March 1943. During the period of 1941-42 much discussion occurred concerning the starting
of a Sunday School. On 25 April 1942 an item of business indicated the starting of a
Sunday School had been discussed but no satisfactory plan was reached. In May 1942 the
church elected Miss Irene Miller as Superintendent for the Sunday School. In August 1942
the pastor gave a report which reflects the financial condition of the Salem Association:
"After a sermon by the pastor, Bro. D. V. Keys, we began our business meeting with
Bro. Keys as moderator. Bro. Keys told of his attendance (1 day) at the Salem Association
meeting on Wednesday and Thursday with the New Highland Baptist Church. He made a report.
(We can proudly say that we had Bro. Keys salary paid in full, to date.) He tells us the
Board is yet helping a lot of the weaker churches. Large crowds attended." Another
item of business in that same meeting indicates that Bro. Keys, pastor of Big Spring
Baptist Church, was also active in conducting Revivals in the community. "Motion was
made and seconded that we hold a Revival meeting sometime soon (in the near future)
question is whether to have it in church house or Bro. Keys Gospel Tent. (Decide
later)." Rev. Keys resigned in March 1943. In July 1943 the church voted to invite
the Women's Missionary Union to hold meetings in Big Spring Baptist Church.
9
The Women's Missionary Society at the Big Spring Baptist Church was organized 23 October
1947.* The organizational meeting was assisted by members of the Buck Grove Baptist
Church. Officers elected for the new organization (through the coming year of 1948) were
Mrs. Paul Johnson, President; Mrs. Arnold Drake, Vice-President; Mrs. Lester Lockard,
Secretary and Treasurer; Mrs. Martin Miller, Community Missions Chairman; Mrs. George
Prather, Chairman of work with young people; and Mrs. Frank Hilf, Mission Studies
Chairman. The members enrolled in the organization 1947 were Mrs. Lillian Dowell, Mrs. J.
B. Norris, Mrs. Arnold Drake, Mrs. George Prather, Mrs. Frank Hilf, Mrs. Martin Miller,
Mrs. Lester Lockard, Mrs. Luther Miller, Mrs. Milburn Thornhill, and Mrs. Lannie Poole.
The first regular meeting of the group was held in the home of Cora Johnson 6 November
1947--nine members were present and one visitor. The community missions report for
November of that year indicated the type of activities in which the group would be very
active in the years ahead. They indicated that they had visited a lady in the community
who was confined to her bed-- they had made some clothes for the individual and also had
taken in food and had a prayer meeting before leaving. The group continued to be very
supportive of individuals in the community who had special needs through the years. The
group has consistently sent cards to the ill in the community, whether they were at home
or in hospitals.
*The 1922 Salem Association Annual includes a Women's Missionary Union on the Big Spring
letter with thirty-six members. Mrs. J. V. Norris is listed as President of the WMU in
1924. No record of this organization is found in the church minutes from 1922 until after
the 1947 date.
10
A significant activity in which the Big Spring Baptist Church W.M.U. became involved
centered around a celebration in the Big Spring Community that became known as "Down
Home Days." Under new business at the W.M.U. meeting on 7 March 1974 the following
was recorded: "Project for the Centennial to be held in Big Spring sometime in June
was discussed. Eva Mae donated a quilt top. Missionary women are to quilt it and sell it
that day. Ruby has a quilt to be quilted and will pay the women to do it. Decided to sell
food at the Centennial one day." By the meeting of 9 May 1974 the group had made a
commitment to sell food on both days of the Centennial which was to be held in Big Spring
1-2 June. The report for June 1974 included the profits from the Centennial celebration,
$498.15. This money became the seed money for project which the W.M.U. discussed:
providing restrooms for the Big Spring Baptist Church. That beginning became a yearly
activity for the women of the Big Spring W.M.U,--feeding the community with the money
going toward the project of adding restrooms for the church. The minutes for 11 April 1974
give an indication of the type of commitment the women of the Big Spring W.M.U. had in the
community. It indicated that the Missionary Women had worked at Brandenburg for one day
helping tornado victims. Big Spring community sent groceries amounting to about $150.00,
as well as clothes.
Scattered throughout the brief minutes of the group are other indications of the attempt
of the W.M.U. to assist families in the community who had suffered losses of homes and
household items in fires and natural disasters.
In March 1944 they called a special business meeting to discuss the repair of the ceiling
of the church. A motion Lad been made in
11
February to begin collecting money for the repair. The motion was "That we take all
our money (W.M.U., (Moorman Day Money,) and balance left from painting church, and help
put on the ceiling material)." Mrs. Paul Johnson was instructed to order the
materials for the repair of the ceiling. They also discussed and provided for the nailing
down of the roof of the church. If any money was left over they were to explore the
possibility of wiring the church. In April 1944, while the church was being repaired, they
were invited to meet in the Big Spring Methodist church for their services. The
cooperation of Big Spring Baptist Church and the Methodist churches in the area dates back
a good way and continues to the present. In August 1944 the church voted to express
appreciation to Mrs. Lillian Dowell who had donated money to buy a Communion set and the
collection plates. These were donated in the memory of the late W. P. Dowell.
In 1945 a motion was made and seconded that the church would start a "Birthday
offering" for the Orphans Home. The pastor volunteered to get a box in which the
offering would be collected. Use of the birthday offering has continued down to the
present time. The first insurance purchased on the building was mentioned on 28 October
1945, insuring the building for $1500.00 at a cost of $20.40 per year. The salary for the
pastor in October 1945 was $15.00 per Sunday for two Sundays per month. They were hoping
for the possibility of having a service also on another Sunday. A constant item of
business from the very beginning of the organization of the church has been the need to
provide for the repair of the road from Big Spring out to the church. On 24 March 1946 the
minutes record that Mr. Johnson paid Sam Brown $74.10 for hauling gravel for the repair of
the road.
12
In April 1946 the first mention of the Cooperative Program was made: "Bro. Stone
handed out booklets on "The Baptist Cooperative Program". The church was
requested to donate 10% of their funds to the State Mission Board. By 1948 the salary of
the pastors had risen to $40.00 per month. The pastor called at this time, Percy Magee,
was a student at the Seminary. The church continued to be active in the work of the
Association--they voted to send $6.00 for twelve copies of the minutes in 1948. In that
same meeting they voted to put together Rev. Magee's salary for the month with Revival
money--to be paid in a lump sum of $216.48.
In the 5 December 1948 meeting the church discussed whether to have a motion picture of a
Christian nature shown in the church in the near future; the motion was not carried. They
did vote to have a"little program and Christmas tree at church on the third Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock." On 26 February 1949 the church voted to give one tenth of
all collections to help pay the expenses of Bro. Harold Marsh, a missionary in the Salem
Association. The comment with that item was "for his great work that he is
performing." The next item of business in that session included an admonition that
each member be asked to increase their gifts to the church.
On 13 November 1949 the church voted to call Bro. Paul Kalb as pastor, and for the first
time the call was extended as an unlimited call. The vote was unanimous that such a call
be extended. On 2 April 1950 the church voted to have a revival during the first two weeks
of August of that year. Along with the revival they would schedule their Vacation Bible
School to meet during the first week in the afternoons. Another activity that the church
has had a great deal of interest in over the
13
years has been that of the Baptist cemetery adjacent to the
church. The land for the cemetery was donated by the Meaders family and its
care is provided for in a separate "cemetery fund". Ordination services
for deacons continued to be a significant part of the church life. On
4 November 1951 an ordination service was held for George F. Kaelin
and Shermon Thornhill. Participating in the service were deacons and
pastors from New Salem, Grandview, and Constantine churches.
Somewhere along the way the church had stopped using wood for heating the building and had
switched to coal. On 3 September 1952 the church voted to order two tons of coal for the
church. In the following meeting in March the church voted to order two tons of coal for
the church. In the following meeting in March the church voted to hire a sexton to build
the fires in the church, the amount to be paid for building the fires was forty cents. The
burden of paying the salary would be shared, with the Sunday School paying one-half and
the church paying one-half.
On 8 April 1953 the church treasurer, who at that time was George Kaelin, was voted to
also function as treasurer of the Sunday School. Items necessary for the Sunday School
would be bought out of the Sunday School money. In May 1953 the church bought-one ton of
coal at a cost of $14.75. In the summer of 1954 the church voted to begin having Training
Union, this under the leadership of Bro. J. H. Ball, who had been called as pastor in
October 1953. In the July meeting of that year they voted to begin full time services at
Big Spring Baptist Church. By October of that year Bro. Ball had been dismissed and the
church had voted to go back to a part-time basis.
14
The next three years saw three pastors-Bro. Stacker, Bro. Gilbert and Henry McInnis, who
was elected pastor in 1957. On 3 November 1957 a business meeting was conducted under the
direction of Bro. McInnis as moderator. A motion was made and seconded and carried that
the church business meeting be held after preaching services on the first Sunday night of
each month. A discussion was held concerning how much the church should give for the
Associational Missionary home and a committee appointed to work out a plan. They also
discussed having a Cemetery Fund and a committee was appointed to work that out. The
church clerk, Mrs. Wayne Jackson, gave Bro. McInnis a letter that she had received
inviting the Big Spring Baptist Church to bring as many boys as they could to an Royal
Ambassador conclave at Ekron Chruch Wednesday night, November 6th. There was some
discussion about getting the boys interested in R.A.'s and trying to organize a group in
the church. The following month the Cemetery committee was appointed, the committee was
Paul Johnson, George Kaelin, Tula Kaelin, and Edith Lockard.
Two business meetings later the church voted to give $12.00 toward the new addition on the
Missionary's home. The cemetery committee reported and recommended that each immediate
family be asked to pay $3.00 per year for clean up and up-keep of the cemetery, and $2.50
for each grave. The following month the cemetery committee indicated that they would be
typing up a letter that would be mailed out to individuals as soon as possible. In the 2
March 1958 meeting they voted to have a Bible School that summer. Teachers and staff were
appointed for the Bible School, no date was set. At the next meeting a date was set for
the Bible School. It would begin 21 July and run through the 25th. They also voted to have
a revival which would begin 3 August and run through the 10th.
15
On 4 May 1958 a motion was made and seconded that a census be taken of the community for
the purpose of reaching the unsaved and building up our Sunday School and Vacation Bible
School. The time set was 8 June. They also voted to take down a fence along the front of
the parking lot and to put gravel on the parking lot. The following business meeting they
voted to pay George Kaelin $185.00 beginning 1 April 1958 running through 1 April 1959 to
take down the fences and keep the cemetery mowed--the motion was accepted. Immediately
following the June 1958 business meeting minutes was a note concerning a marriage
conducted by Rev. Henry McInnis on Friday night, 27 June 1958, between Miss Beverly Neff
and Mr. Wayne Cundiff.
On 20 July 1958 there was a motion made and passed that a permanent stand for the church
bell be built and that the bell be repaired. The money to pay for the project would be
taken out of the church treasury. In the October 1958 meeting, motion was made and
seconded to buy one load of fine gravel to make a walkway from the parking lot to the
church door before bad weather set in. The church also voted to erect a bulletin board in
front of the church; the church was to furnish the material for Mr. Kaelin to construct
the bulletin board. The business meeting for 21 April 1959 was called to order by Mr. Paul
Johnson, moderator. Apparently the pastor had resigned in the interim. In the 26 May 1959
meeting the church noted that they had agreed to try another preacher on the fifth Sunday
if one were available. They further agreed that the dates of the Vacation Bible School
would be decided on by the W.M.U. at the June meeting. They also took note that Cora
Johnson would be elected church clerk, taking the place of Mrs. Wayne Jackson who was
moving to California. By the 5 July meeting of 1959 Bro. Armbrister had
16
been called as pastor. In the July business meeting they voted to call off Vactation Bible
School and set the time for the revival as 17-23 August.
The church voted on 2 August 1959 to request that Bro. Armbrister's home church in
Bluefield, West Virginia provide ordination into the ministry for the pastor. On 11 May
1960 the church met in business meeting for the purpose of calling a new pastor.
A secret vote was taken and the vote was unanimous that a new pastor be called. Cora
Johnson was instructed to write Bro. Joseph Stiles, field director for the Southern
Baptist Theological Seminary and have him send a new preacher. On 21 June 1961 a business
meeting was held and it was noted that it was the first business meeting since 10 August
1960. In the interim Bro. Humphrey had been called as pastor. They voted for the Sunday
School to go to the Falls of the Rough River Dam for a Sunday School picnic on the first
Sunday in July. They agreed to have church on the fourth Sunday in July so Bro. Humphrey
could go to his father-in-law's church on the third Sunday to conduct the preaching
services. They voted to change the time for Sunday School and church services from slow
time to fast time, Sunday School to meet at 10:00 and church at 11:00.
On 30 July 1961 they voted to request that Bro. Taylor come and preach their revival,
14-24 August. Apparently the requested minister could not come because in the 23 August
business meeting a motion was made and seconded to extend our appreciation to Rev. Clyde
Tilly for the wonderful message he brought each night. On 6 September 1961 they held a
Wednesday night business meeting after Prayer Meeting the purpose of the meeting was for
the calling of our pastor back or a new bone.
17
Paul Johnson acted as moderator, a vote was taken and the majority was in favor of calling
Bro. Humphrey back, "if he would accept the call and the rules the church asked
for." A motion was made and seconded carried that the church pay three dollars a trip
to the pastor when the church requested his service beyond the regular call of duty and
that our church will have first call on his services at all time.
On Wednesday night 29 November 1961 the church was called to order and they listed the
requirements and duties for the pastor:
1. Expected to preach four sermons a month (once in the morning and once in the evening on
the first and third Sundays of the month.)
2. Visit people throughout the community especially during revivals.
3. Conduct a business meeting the first Sunday of each month following each evening
service.
4. Our church should have first call on all the pastor's services.
5. Pay not to exceed $20.00 per Sunday except by agreement of the church.
6. Communion service to be held the first Sunday of each quarter.
The next business meeting is dated 15 April 1962 the business meeting is held under the
direction of Bro. Jim Richardson, pastor, as moderator. The minutes indicate that he was a
Southern Baptist Seminary student at the time. At the business meeting the following
month, a time for Vacation Bible School was discussed and set for 6-10 August with the
pastor serving as principal. A revival would begin on 13 August and continue through the
26th, Bro. Richardson would preach the first week and Bro. Jack Goodwin the second week of
the revival. The church also voted to erect a building for tools and coal.
18
On 3 June 1962, the church voted to observe Sunday the 24th as a time to give 50% of the
offering to the cooperative program. At the following Business Meeting, it was decided
that the building for coal and tools would be '3 x 12 feet with an estimated cost of
$140.00. It was also voted to take out the security light in front of the church.
On 5 May 1963 the church accepted the resignation of Brother Richardson to become
effective 1 June 1963. He had been called as pastor of the Powereville Baptist Church in
Kentucky. During May Brother Richardson was appointed to attend the Southern Baptist
Convention in Kansas City as a delegate from Big Spring Baptist Church. The church
extended a call in September of 1963 to Tyson Rogers. He did not accept and on 23 October
Brother William L. Conley was called as pastor. The pastor's salary would be $15.00 each
Sunday to be paid once a month.
On 4 December 1963 the Sunday School reported an average attendance of 40. At the December
meeting, a building program was discussed. The church voted for Mr. Kaelin to build a
small model church to hold donations made to the building fund. They also voted to hold an
ordination ceremony for Brother Conley on 12 January 1964. Brother Conley had been
licensed to preach by the Muldraugh Baptist Church on 13 June 1962. The ordaining council
for Brother Conley consisted of Reverend Felix Montgomery, pastor of Muldraugh Baptist
Church; Reverend Blane Tucker, pastor of Payneville Baptist Church; Reverend Ray Batemon,
pastor of Buckgrove and Salem Association moderator; Mr. Jack Simmons, Associational
Sunday School Director; Mr. W. E. Watts, deacon of Muldraugh Church Mr. Sylvester Ferrell,
deacon of Muldraugh Church; Mr. Paul Johnson, chairman of deacons, Big Spring Baptist
Church; Mr. George Kaelin, deacon of Big Spring Baptist Church. Brother W.,E. Watts
19
gave the invocation, Reverend Felix Montgomery preached ordination sermon, Reverend Blane
Tucker gave the charge to the candidate and Reverend Ray Bateman gave the charge to the
church and the dedicatory prayer. Brother Paul Johnson and Brother George Kaelin presented
the Bible from Big Spring Baptist Church to Brother Conley. After the laying on of hands
by the ministers and deacons, the benediction was given by Brother Conley.
On 12 February 1964 there was a discussion of Christian Education Advance. The program was
explained by Brother Conley. Big Spring Baptist Church was asked to give $954.84 in a four
year period. A further item of business at that meeting involved the need to pay the fire
insurance of $15.00. The church requested Mr. Kaelin to see about a higher amount of
insurance coverage for 1964. The amount of coverage at that time was $2500.00. It was
noted in the 18 March business meeting that the pastor's salary was $100.00 per month and
the janitor's salary $6.00 per month. Sunday school literature was to be $7.00 per month.
$4.00 per month was to be set aside for operation of the Church. $9.00 per month for
building and equipment, lights and insurance. $20.00 per month was to go to the building
fund. A miscellaneous item was to be $15.00 per month. The budget was approved item by
item.
In April an Easter Sunrise Service was scheduled to be held at 6:30AM. A motion was made,
seconded and passed to designate $20.00 of Cooperative Program monies for the next two
months to the West Point Church for flood damage. A committee was appointed to canvas the
church members about the building program; "Whether to remodel or build a new
Church". A report was to be given at the next business meeting.
20
At the following business meeting on 30 April 1964 a committee was appointed to make an
estimate of what it would cost to remodel the church and build Sunday school rooms.
Members on that committee were Brothers Kaelin, Bowers, Hilf, Neff, Johnson, Miller and
Daniels. The committee was to meet during the first week of May to draw plans to present
to the Church on Wednesday, May 6th. The committee was to contact construction firms for
estimates on remodeling the present building. The building committee's report was accepted
at the business meeting on 6 May 1964.
In May of 1964 the Sunday school had an enrollment of 73 with an average attendance of 69.
In July a training union was organized with 11 intermediates enrolled. Brother Bowers was
the leader. Brother Bernard was to lead the junior group. The building committee reported
that an estimate of cost would be presented at a special business meeting July 15th. The
work that was to be bid upon included the following: level floor, pull building together,
put stone-effect metal siding around outside of lower part, lower light fixtures and
ceiling. A motion was made and seconded and passed that the listed work be done.
At the special business meeting on 15 July 1964, the following bids were received for
remodeling on the church building: Walter Compton $765.00 plus $234.00 for ceiling work
for a total of $999.00. Charles Bernard $1,000.00 for the entire bid. Motion made,
seconded and passed to award Mr. Bernard the work of remodeling the church building.
In August of 1964 the Sunday school had an enrollment of 74 and an average attendance of
66. The offering for the month was $167.98. Total contacts 33. New enrollment 3. The
training union had an enrollment of 25 with an average attendance of 20. The W.M.U.
reported that they donated $28.00 from a Stanley Party for the building fund.
21
At the 9 September 1964 meeting, Or. Bowers, Mr. Neff and Mr. Kaelin were appointed to
serve as the building committee. Each window donated to the church will be $50.00 per
window with a name on the window. The bids that were received for installing heating units
in the church building: Berkheart Heating $950.00, Radcliffe Plumbing and heating
$1060.00. The building committee voted to accept the bid of Berkheart Heating for $950.00.
A motion was made seconded and passed for the church to borrow $2,000.00 from the Farmer's
Bank of Vine Grove, Kentucky, to complete the remodeling of the church building.
In the 7 October 1964 remeeting, the church voted to draw numbers to decide the location
in the church of the donated stained glass windows.
At the 13 December 1964 meeting, the church voted to license Brother Hampton to preach the
gospel.
On l0 February 1965, it was noted that Brother Conley would be retiring from the Armed
Services May 31st and will be looking for a full- time pastoral. A called business meeting
was announced for 17 February' at 7:30 PM at the Church to decide about going full-time.
At the called business meeting on 17 February, the Church indicated that they were
financially unable to increase the-minister's salary at that time. They indicated they
would have to consider releasing him to seek another church. A motion was made, seconded
and passed to pay Brother Conley $20.00 per Sunday when he would preach and pay a supply
$20.00 when Brother Conley was away. On l0 March 1965 they revised that amount to $25.00
per Sunday.
On 5 May 1965 the Church voted to write the Christian Ed,.location Advance and indicate
that due to the Church's financial condition the
22
donations to the CEA fund would cease until further notice.
On 30 June 1965 the Church discussed whether to call Brother Candy as Pastor. They decided
to have Brother Stephenson come back again. The Church again indicated what it expected of
a pastor.
(1) Take interest in children and young folks.
(2) Visit aged and sick regardless of denomination.
(3) Helping Bible School and Revival.
(4) Be available when needed anytime in case of sickness or other needs.
On 7 July 1965 they indicated that Sunday School enrollment was 87 with an average
attendance of 54.
On 4 August 1965 "an overwhelming majority voted to call Brother Takahiro Que"(a
22 year old Japanese from Vine Grove Baptist Church). They also voted to take a free will
offering for Jack S-.Mr.~ons in appreciation for his help as principal of the vacation
bible school. They also voted not to have church service Sunday, August 8, as everyone was
attending our neighboring Methodist church service.
On 6 October 1965 the church voted that the building committee would draw tip plans for
Sunday school rooms. They also voted to use $i00.00 from the church treasury to build the
rooms. At the following business meeting, they accepted plans from the building committee
that there would be three Sunday school rooms.
At the Business Meeting of 5 January 1966 the minutes note that Mr. & Mrs. Neff went
to see Mr. & Mrs. Martin about ground offered to the Church.
At the 6 April 1966 business meeting, it was indicated that insurance on the building had
been raised to $15,000 at $6.00 per thousand. At that business meeting, the church also
voted to try a
23
church council consisting of pastor, deacon, Sunday school superintendent music director,
and W.M.U. president.
On 8 June 1966 it was indicated in the business meetings that $80.00 earned by the W.M.S.
would need to be turned over to the building committee in order to finish the floors of
the Sunday school rooms.
At the 6 July 1966 business meeting, the church voted that they would start having night
services on Sunday July 17th beginning at 7:30PM.
In August of 1966 the church voted to call the pastor for an indefinite period. A yearly
meeting would be held to discuss progress. A motion was then made and passed to call
Brother Takahiro Que as pastor for an indefinite period.
At a called meeting on 21 September 1966 it was indicated that the church voted to give
$35.00 to Mr. & Mrs. Simmons in appreciation of their help during Vacation Bible
School.
The church voted in October to request Josie Dowell to turn on the heat Sunday mornings.
The pay would be the same as for the previous year. The church agreed to give Brother
Takahiro Que permission to attend prayer meeting in Louisville on Wednesday nights instead
of making the trip down to Big Spring.
In November the Sunday School reported an enrollment of 85 with an average attendance of
62.
At the 5 April 1967 meeting Brother Kaelin reported that the church debt had been paid
off.
On 30 August 1967 the church discussed calling a pastor. It indicated Brother Takahiro
Quewould be leaving in September. A pulpit committee was appointed at the 6 September 1967
meeting. The project of
24
erecting the church bell was discussed, everything was ready except for the concrete. The
church agreed to buy ready mix concrete. Immediately following the regular service on 24
September 1967 the church voted unanimously to send WHAS Crusade for Children a check for
$25.00. The intermediates of the church also sent $10.00 to WHAS Crusade.
On 11 October 1967 Mrs. Rudy Mcatee requested the church to pay the postage for boxes that the W.M.U. was preparing to send to the boys in Viet Nam. Mr. James L. Neff moved that the church do this to send the things to Viet Nam. The motion was seconed and passed.
In November 1967 Brother Roy Miller accepted the call to be the pastor of the church. The salery for the pastor was $125.00 a month. Preaching services would include every Sunday morning and night.
At the 21 January 1968 business meeting a commitee was appointed to investigate the ground that Mr. Carl Martin had offered to the church for purpose of extension. Brother Miller appointed the following to be on the committee: James L. Neff, George Kaelin, Ruby Mcatee, and Roy Barnes.
On 25 February 1968 Brothers Ernie Carmen and Johnny Daniels were both ordaibed as Deacons of the Big Spring Baptist Church.
On 10 April 1968 the building committee reported they had decided to extend the church on the back and divide the rooms with folding doors. The plans were further explained and discussed. Mr. Roy Barnes gave an estimated $4500.00 for the addition.
In May the following item was contained in the business minutes. Margaret Neff explained that the S & H Green Stamp Company gave the church $10,000 S & G green stamps to replace those that were lost in fire. These could be used for purcasing furniture for the church. She
25
requested that these stamps be used to buy chairs for the nursery. Betty Atkins moved
that the women contribute these S & H green stamps to supply the church with the
needed equipment. The motion was seconded and carried. It was suggested that the W.M.U.
sponsor this effort. At that same business meeting, it was reported that the church bell
had been erected.
At the 5 June 1968 meeting Brother Miller gave a report on materials for the church to
include 43 strips of plywood for the floor for $212.85 and 1,360 sq. feet of tile at a
cost of $299.20.
At the 4 September 1968 meeting the building committee reported on a meeting with a
representative for a company who would provide church pews. The pews and pulpit came to a
total of $1800.00. It was recommended by the building committee that the church explore
borrowing money from the Farmer's Bank. The church further directed that they buy 50 extra
chairs for the choir and Sunday school rooms. It was voted that Roy Barnes and George
Kaelin be permitted to go and borrow that amount of money.
On 12 September 1968, a called business meeting was held. "This was a special meeting
to decide where to look for a pastor as well as what age person to try to find." In a
continuation of that same meeting, George Kaelin stated that the Farmer's Bank of Vine
Grove had required the majority of the five deacons to sign the contract to borrow
$2000.00. The bank requested the church to call a business meeting and vote to authorize
the deacon's of the church to borrow the $2000.00. The church voted to authorize the
deacon's to borrow the money and purchase the new pews.
26
YEARS OF
IMPROVEMENT
With a Sunday school average attendance of 53 and a deep commitment to the improvement of
the sanctuary evidenced by their willingness to borrow the necessary money, the people of
Big Spring Baptist Church moved ahead with plans for the improvement of their sanctuary.
In the church years of 1968 and 1969, the church records indicate the total value of
church property was $15,500.00. The pastor's salary for that year was $2600.00.
In the October 1968 business meeting someone inquired about when the church was going to
purchase the land behind the church. "It was stated that this land cannot be
purchased until the church decides to build". Other items mentioned in that
particular business meeting included the fact that the church letter which had been sent
to the Association as reported by Roy Barnes, was graded as excellent. Someone noted that
the old pews would need to be removed from the sanctuary at the time of the arrival of new
ones. Paul Johnson agreed to take care of the pews. Wayne Ray moved that we sell the long
benches for $3.00 each and $2.00 for a short bench. The motion died for lack of a second.
There was considerable discussion about the pews and someone moved that the pews be given
away and made a motion to that effect. The motion with an amendment that donations would
be accepted was carried.
On 3 November 1968 after Church services, George Kaelin told of a preacher that the
deacon's had interviewed. This minister had asked for a salary of $200.00 a month but
indicated they also tithed. The church voted unanimously to invite this man to preach on
Sunday.
In the 6 November 1968 meeting, after some discussion, Margaret Neff moved that the old
pulpit be donated to Mrs. Geneva
27
Jackson. The motion was seconded and carried. The old communion table
was also given to her. Brother Ed Gullic was the visiting minister that Sunday and it was
indicated that he was to find a preacher for the following Sunday.
At a called business meeting on 20 November 1968 Brother Lee Gallman was called as pastor.
Discussed in that same meeting was the purchase of 50 chairs for use in the Sunday School.
The estimated total for the chairs was $200.00 to include clamps for clamping the chairs
together. It was moved that James Neff purchase the chairs. The motion was seconded and
carried. Marguerite Neff stated that they had bought the filing cabinet for the Church at
a cost of $23.70 and wanted to know how it should be paid for. The two options discussed
were to pay for it from the church treasury or to cash-in the stamps for $2.00 a book. It
was moved that the church would pay for the filing cabinet and the Missionary Union would
purchase a coffee urn and a hot plate with the stamps that they had collected.
During the business meeting on 2 March 1969 Brother Lee Gallman, in response to a remark
by a church member that she was not satisfied with the pastor's visitation, proposed that
the church:
(1) engage in evaluating ourselves in what we need
(2) engage in a survey
(3) survey what we are already doing and the head of each department and committee write
their estimates of where we are at the present. "Brother Gallman suggested that on
the basis of what the community needs, what we are, where we have been, we can set some
goals." It was moved that the church evaluate,their programs and themselves and seek
to work for the kingdom of God. The motion was seconded and carried. It was
28
also suggested in response to a discussion about how to preserve the records of the church
that the records should be microfilmed and kept in the library at the Southern Baptist
Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.
In May 1969 Ernie Carmen reported the business that had been discussed at the deacon's
meeting. "The first item was the payment of the pastor when neither he nor any other
preacher could get to the church because of weather conditions. If the pastor called the
chairman of the Deacons and Brother Barnes and they were in agreement that the roads were
impassable, the pastor would still receive his salary. This was discussed. It was moved
the above suggestion be accepted. Seconded and carried." Brother Gallman reported
that he could not find any more history concerning the church. He noted that they could
have the church books microfilmed for one and one/fourth cents per page and that either
the Church or the Seminary could keep the books and the microfilm in their library. The
church decided to have the books microfilmed with the church keeping the microfilm and
leaving the books at the Southern Baptist Seminary.
In the June 1969 meeting the building committee made recommendations to the church that
wall cabinets, a broom closet, a work bench and a tack board be built in the beginners
room and that they also build a choir rail. The church voted to hire Brother George Kaelin
and his assistant to build the choir rail. The revival for that summer was discussed with
Brother Leo Evans of Michigan being invited to preach and Brother Lee Gallman being asked
to lead the singing for the revival.
In the July Business Meeting, Brother Gallman recommended the church set up a library. He
proceeded to explain the Broadman Reading
29
Plan. The Church voted to start the Broadman Library Plan for one year. The deacon's
recommendations presented in the August 1969 business meeting, included the recommendation
that the church be cleaned once a week by Mrs. Josie Dowell. The payment decided upon was
$5.00 per week. The deacons also recommended that an attic fan be put into the church.
That particular recommendation was moved and then tabled. Johnule Daniels stated that he
would paint the church roof for $35.00.
In November a special building sub-committee was discussed. This committee was seen as a
special committee whose function would be to examine in detail the needs of the church in
terms of future buidlings. Five persons were appointed to serve on the committee as
follows: Mrs. J. L. Neff, Mrs. Ruby McAtee, Mrs. Ernie Carmen, Mr. George Kaelin and Billy
Adkins.
At the March 1970 Business Meeting the financial situation of the church was discussed at
length. A recommendation was accepted from the deacons that the pastor's salary be cut to
$40.00 per week. Another suggestion was made to borrow money from the cemetery fund to pay
outstanding bills. No motion was made.
At the March 1970 meeting a Easter Sunrise Service was discussed. A motion was made to
have the Sunrise Service at Big Spring Baptist Church at 6:00 AM Easter morning. An open
invitation was to be extended to the whole community. By the business meeting of September
1970 the church treasurer reported that the debt at the bank was down to $550.00. In view
of the improved financial situation, the deacon recommended and the church voted to return
the pastor's salary back to $50.00 a week to take effect 6 September 1970. Those nominated
to serve as deacons for the coming year were Mr. George Kaelin, Mr. Johimie Daniels, Mr.
Ernie Carmen,
30
Mr. Sherman Thornhill and Mr. James INeff. Mr. Neff would be
ordained
as a deacon in the future.
On 4 October 1970 the church voted to participate in the work of the Association. The
church was the only one at that time that was not providing any financial support for the
Association. It was decided to send $5.00 a month to Salem Association to support the work
within the Association. A service was held on October 18, at 2:30 PM for the examination
and then ordination of James Lewis Neff.
At the 6 December 1970 business meeting, pastor Gallman offered his resignation to be
effective on 20 December 1970. Ernie Carmen made a motion that the church accept the
resignation by Brother Gallman; the motion was seconded by James Neff. The church voted
not to accept the recommendations. Brother Gallman gave reasons why it would be best for
the church to accept. A vote was taken again and carried. A deacon's recommendation in
that same business meeting was "to abolish the annual call so as to be able to
dismiss a pastor by majority vote at any monthly business meeting." A motion was made
and seconded by James Neff and the motion carried.
At the 7 February ]971 business meeting, Brother Townsend was called as pastor of Big
Spring Baptist Church.
Brother Townsend stressed the importance of organization within the church. He noted that
the bylaws and constitution that the church was working on was a step in the right
direction of organizing and getting started. the church voted to pay $75.00 per week to
Brother Townsend as an interim pastor for an indefinite period. "Members discussed
some of the burdens that this might be on the church because of not much money in the
treasury."
31
In March the church discussed raising the amount of insurance on the church bud' cling up
to $25,000 if that were possible. A treasurers report is included for April of 1971 and
included an income of $546.00 for the month of February and expenses of $486.00.
The Easter Sunrise Service in 1971 was at the Methodist Church with Brother Townsend
preaching.
In June of 1971, an item of business indicates that Brother Carmen is to find out about
Brother Townsend and "if he isn't coming back to get someone else to come."
Brother Robert Elliott was called as pastor on 1 August 1971.
On 3 October 1971 the church reported a Sunday school average attendance of 34. A motion
was made that a building fund be started With the motion being amended that the fund would
not be used for any other purpose unless brought before the church and any funds borrowed
would have to be paid back. Ruby McAtee made a motion to appoint a committee to compile
the church history with Brother Pollock as secretary.
On 19 February 1972 the church voted to buy a new piano at a price of $775.00. The money
was obtained by borrowing $600 from the cemetery fund at no interest and $200.00 from the
bank in order to purchase the piano. The balance in the treasury report that month was
$28.47 and the balance in the building fund was $178.00.
The last business meeting on record in this book of minutes was 10 September 1972 which
was a special called meeting to vote on the officers for the coming year. Also included in
that business meeting was the vote to accept Timothy Don Kaelin as a candidate for baptism
into the church. The church letter of Josie Dowell was also read and accepted. The minutes
for 5 November 1972 began as follows: "The Big
32
Spring Baptist Church held its monthly business meeting on November 5th.
The meeting was called to order by Bro. Elliott. The minutes of the last
meeting . . . ." There are no other minutes that follow in this particular book of
minutes.
The next record of a business meeting is dated 13 January 1974. The pastor in 1973 as
listed in the statistical information of the minutes of the Salem Baptist Association was
James Oliver, a Seminary student. The next minutes from 13 January 1974 state that the
business meeting was called to order by Bro. Jim Oliver. In that business meeting the
building committee reported that the pump which would provide water to the church had not
yet been installed. The average attendance in Sunday School for January was 38. At the
following business meeting on 3 February the church still owed the cemetery fund $552.00.
At the following business meeting they continued the discussion concerning the well and
indicated that the pump was in but the faucet would be put in later. Marguerite Neff moved
in the March business meeting that the church make plans for restrooms. After a discussion
that it would not be possible to do so at this time, Marguerite with drew her motion.
Mr. Raymond Capps moved that the men-meet at the church in order to decide on a blueprint
for restrooms in order that an estimate might be obtained, that motion carried. At the 4
May 1974 business meeting there was about $1049.00 in the building fund. Mr. Kaelin gave
an estimate for lateral lines and a septic tank of $625.00. On 3-July 1974 the church met
in business session and called Bro. John Sylvester as pastor. They also discussed the
possibility of having a Vacation Bible School with the Methodists, no decision was reached
at that time. They
33
also discussed the Bi-Centennial at Brandenburg and the need for someone to sell food to
people coming in to Brandenburg but no decision was reached. In the July 7th meeting they
gave a report that the W.M.U. sale totaled $498.15. The building fund report gave a
balance of $1286.83 as of June 15th.
Bro. Sylvester asked the church that he be allowed to be ordained in the Twenty-third and
Broadway Baptist Church as he had previously planned to do before accepting the pastor's
position at Big Spring. The pastor's salary was set at $40.00 per week with $10.00 travel
expense. On 13 September 1974 the youth report indicated that the Youth Revival that they
had made plans for had been held and Bro. Conley had preached.
In the 2 March 1975 meeting James Louis Neff had a building plan and explained it;
"the structure would extend the length of the back of the church with Sunday School
rooms and restrooms." A suggestion was made that the outer structure be started with
carpenter help and the inside work to be done by members, with any help being appreciated.
Mrs. Neff moved that the Building Committee be authorized to have plans drawn for the
structure if Mr. Bower could not do them in the next three weeks.
It was reported in the April meeting that Mr. Bower had the plans ready but nothing had
been done up to that time. In the meantime, it was noted that a new door was needed on the
outdoor toilet. In May a piano dedication was discussed. Bro. Sylvester suggested that he
be permitted* to ask someone to come play some special music for the dedication. They
would set the date later. In the June meeting a letter from the Salem Association
concerning their financial needs was presented to the church for consideration and
discussion. The conclusion reached was that the church compose a budget to support the
different organizations.
34
In December 1975 a goal for I.ottie Moon Christmas Offering was set at $100.00. It had
been approximately that amount for the last few years. On 18 January 1976 an unscheduled
business meeting was held to discuss the resignation of Bro. John Sylvester. Bro.
Sylvester submitted a letter of resignation. Bro. George Kaelin presided and the church
voted to accept the resignation. As his last function at the church on l February 1976 he
baptised Brenda Carr,~an into the fellowship of Big Spring Baptist Church. The baptismal
services were held at Buck Grove Baptist Church with Bro. John Sylvester officiating.
Attending the service were Mrs. Mary I.ou Bower, pianist; Mr. and Mrs. George Kaelin; Mrs.
Neva Payne, Mrs. Ethel Haynes, Mrs. Ruby McAtee, Bro. and Mrs. John Sylvester and Mr. and
Mrs. Ernie Carman and girls, Darlah and Angela, also attending were Mrs. Pearl Carman and
Lou Ann Carman. This report was signed by Ruby McAtee, Church Clerk.
On 3 March 1976 James Richardson was called as pastor of Big Spring Baptist Church. Bro.
Richardson's salary was set at $75.00 per week as of the 2 May 1976 meeting. The need for
bathrooms at the church was discussed at several business meetings. Carl and Edith Martin
had donated to the church the land immediately behind the sanctuary. The church discussed
buying a trailer or building a basement behind the church. By June of 1977 the Baptist
women, by feeding the community on "Down Home Days", had acquired approximately
$1S00.00 in savings dedicated to the building of restrooms at the church. At the 13 August
business meeting Bro. James Richardson presented a floor plan for an addition to the
church. James Louis Neff moved that we accept the floor plan and the motion carried. At
the 17 December 1978 meeting a bid $3173.00 was accepted for the plumbing in the new
addition., The
35
fellowship hall audition measured thirty-six by thirty.
In the July 1979 meeting it was indicated that the plumber would go ahead and
install the septic tank and would split the bill for the plumbing into three payments. In
October the building committee reported that concrete for the foundation of the building
had been poured and blocks had been purchased for the foundation. In August of 1980 the
pastor reported for the Building Committee that the builder's sheetings was in place on
the side of the building and trees immediately adjacent to the new building had
been cleared. The 8 February 1981 meeting agreed to accept an electrician's bid of $400.00
to wire the fellowship hall. The building committee also reported that the insulation of
the well was underway and a heating contractor was coming to make an estimate on a furnace
for the new building.
On 10 May 1981 the building committee indicated that the carpet was in and the final
payment to the plumber was due. In the September meeting of 1981 the church yoted to
per,it the communities Homemakers group to meet in thefellpwship hall during bad weather.
At the 8 November 1981 ,eeting the church discussed the dedication of the new building on
November 29th at 3:00 p.m. The church set as their goal to finish paying all indeptedness
be that date. Bob Jones, Director of Missions, of the Kentucky Baptist Convention was
asked to be the speaker. the church had recieved from Kentucky Baptist a grant of
$2,000.00 on the new building.
A reception was held followong the services and they were hosted by the paster and his
wife Carolyn. The pastorate of Dr. James Richardson has continued through until the time
of this Centennial celebration. Activities during his pastorate have included: the
continuing of the
36
Sunrise Service and Vacation Biblie School held jointly with the Methodists in the
community, revivals have been held each year, along with January Bible studies. Continuing
renovation of the sanctuary had also been a project during this period. Three thirty-six
foot bolts were placed underneath the sanctuary to draw together the outside walls of the
building.
And so passes one hundred' years in the life of a small rural Southern Baptist
Church. New buildings are important. So are bolts that bind together walls that have borne
the burden of summer heat and winter cold and fierce winds that come off the ridgeline.
But more important if the church is to reach out into the next one hundredyears is the
sure position of God's word in tile hearts and lives of it's people. Lives that are open
to the Spirit of God ever flaking the written word become the living word. Lives open in
many, many ways to God's love-that great love that we have experienced through Jesus
Christ our Lord and Master. That strong love which Paul calls the highest and best gift as
he speaks about it in the Thirteenth Chapter of I Corinthians.
May such love grow and grow within the hearts of the church that worship within the walls
of this "Little Country Church".
A Little Country Church
A little Coventry church
with no steeple on its top
Resting beside the pasture green
inviting the linear, to stop
A little country- church
it's history marching for a hundred years.
Rests under shady trees and
remembers the laughter and tears
A little country church
white walls sing the passage of time.
Where children still gather in Bible School
and repeat sweet verses that rhyme.
37
A little country church
Where God's people preached.
And people bow and pray
That others may be reached.
A little country church
where people meet to share
And sing with happy voices
the message that God still cares.
EJR
Dictated February and March 1984
by Ezra J. Richardson
PASTORS
BIG SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH
1884 - 1984
J.W. Albright March
1884 - January
1885
J.J. Willet January
1885 -
R.C. Kimball June
1837 -
Tom Robertson December
1891 - Seotember 1892
E.W. Barnett May
1893 -
J.M. Street May
1894 -
Seotember 1895
J.E. Goble September
1895 -
A.G. Mosley October
1896 - April
1898
Bro. Watson April
1898 -
H. Garnette September
1898 -
L.B. Parker May
1899 -
H. East
April
1900 -
Jim Willet July
1901 - September
1904
Bro. Jaggers November
1904 -
B.L. Phariss July
1906 -
C.E. Scott June
1908 - December
1911
John Winchel February
1911 - November
1912
W.S. Shipp
-
1915
H.S. English
-
1917
C.E. Hambric
-
1919
J.W. McGarock
-
1920
J.J. Hutchinson June
1922 - May
1923
Bro. Rivers October
1923 - March
1924
Bro. Mullins March
1924 -
Bro. Pedigrew October
1924 -
Bro. Morrison November
1924 - March
1925
Bro. Beal April
1925 -
Bro. Hammock
1926
-
1931
Bro. Burkhart April
1933 -
Joe Claycomb November
1934 - September 1937
Ered W. Martin October
1937 -
D.V. Keys October
1938 - March
1943
J.C. Stone April
1943 - August
1946
Jack Davis October
1947 -
Percy Maqee May
1948 -
Paul Kalb November
1949 -
Lewis Duvall
1951
-
1953
J.H. Ball October
1953 -
Joe Stacker December
1954 - April
1955
Larry Gilbert July
1955 - May
1957
Elenry McInnis July
1957 -
David Armbrister
1959
- May 1960
R.G. Humohrey
1960
-
1961
E. James Richardson April 1969
- June 1963
William L. Conley October 1963
- June 1965
Takahiro Que August
1965 - September
1967
Roy Miller November
1967 - August
1968
Lee Gallman November
1968 - December
1970
Carl Townsend February
1971 -
Robert Elliot August
1971 -
Jim Oliver
1973
-
John Sylvester July
1974 - January
1976
E. James Richardson March 1976
- Present
Program for the 100 Year Anniversery of
Big Spring Baptist Church
_________________________
Big Spring Baptist Church
April 15, 1984
Dr. E. James Richardson, Pastor
Service of Celebration
1:30 P.M.
Call to Worship R.R. 521
Hymm "Praise to the Lord, The Almighty" No. 10
Invocation Pastor
Congratulatory Greetings Lou Ann Carmen
Hymm "Amazing Grace" No. 165
Special Messengers
Recognitions
Memorial Prayer Pastor
Special Music
Message A.B. Colvin
Hymm "Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory" No. 510
Benediction
_________________________
A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following this service.