On August 22, 1973, the church approved the names of Leon Frederick, chairman; Shirley Beal, Herschell Snuggs, Glen Dale Burleson, Geraldine Causby, David Sanges, Lois Smith and John Herring as the Pulpit Committee to begin the search for a new senior minister. Mrs. Lois Smith withdrew from the committee and Ginny Frick was nominated to fill the vacancy.

The Pulpit Committee began the selection process by seeking some guidelines from the deacons as the qualities and characteristics that would be acceptable to the membership. The salary range and benefit package to be offered were discussed and recommendations were made. The committee met with Robert Bruhn, Administrative Assistant of the Baptist State Convention, and requested guidelines for proper procedures to be used in order to function effectively.

The Pulpit Committee began the search with prayerful concerns. The members visited a number of churches and observed the prospective ministers. The name of Harold McDonald, pastor of First Baptist Church, Burnsville, N.C., came to the forefront as the minister who would fulfill the needs set forth by the above mentioned guidelines.

On January 27, 1974, the deacons recommended that Rev. Harold McDonald come for a trial sermon on February 3, 1974, followed by a reception at the church in the afternoon. This would give an opportunity for the entire church membership to meet and talk with the McDonald family. This recommendation was approved and the trial sermon and reception were received with much enthusiasm.

On February 10, 1974, the church membership voted to call Rev. Harold McDonald as its senior minister. He accepted and arrived with his wife, Betty; daughters, Carole, Susan and Lori and son, Hal. On Sunday, March 24, 1974, he began his ministry as pastor. He joined Justin Hill, Associate Pastor, and Bill Rotan, Minister of Music.

Rev. McDonald began his ministry with three major goals that remain the same at the present time:

1. To develop the church spiritually as a caring church.

2. To provide a sound financial base for the local church and missions.

3. To provide the physical tools needed to carry on a first-rate Christian educational program.

Within the framework of these goals the church has experienced growth in many positive ways. This is due to excellent leadership from the staff and a caring and concerned membership that is ready to serve where needed so that their church will continue to make a difference in their lives, in the community, the state and beyond.

The deacons carry the dual duties of administration and ministry within the church family. The Deacon Family Ministry Plan was activated, and efforts are continuing to minister to every member more effectively.

This vital body of church members has spent much time and energy on the present and long range planning for First Baptist. Two major projects were planned and carried to their completions between 1973 and 1987. Those were the organ purchase and the sanctuary renovation, and the building of the new fellowship hall.

On October 26, 1986, Shirley Beal was elected to serve as a deacon, becoming the second woman to accept this leadership role at First Baptist.

Deacons are called upon to make many administrative decisions that require much prayer, time and thought. However, at times they are called upon to solve problems that go beyond their normal duties. In November of 1973, a swarm of wasps settled somewhere in the niches of the sanctuary. Two deacons agreed to locate the greatest concentration of wasps at precisely 1:00 p.m. on a given date. Another offered an insect fogger and other materials needed to exterminate the wasps. The operation was carried out with excellent results.

Another nuisance existed in November, 1975, when a flock of pigeons chose the front portico roof as a place to settle down and do what pigeons do when they roost. To alleviate this nuisance, the deacons chose to purchase "Roost-No-More" spray to be applied at the same time that a new paint job was underway. The paint job looked great and the pigeons left.

The Baptist Women's organization serves as a caring and teaching ministry in the field of missions. They promote the Lottie Moon Offering during the Week of Prayer each December, and the membership has responded generously.

The goal in 1974 was $7,000, and in 1987 it had grown to $13,000. Since 1974 the gifts have exceeded the goal every year with the exception of 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1983. In 1985 the goal was set at $13,000 and the membership responded with monetary gifts totaling $21,600.

Baptist Women continue to be involved in the children's graded mission educational programs each Wednesday night. The Girls in Action program has been an ongoing ministry, but due to other programming, the Royal Ambassador program was dropped for a time. However, in January, 1979, this program was reactivated and the young boys became involved in mission education once again.

Baptist Women sponsored a summer tutoring program from 1973 through 1976. A one-on-one tutoring service was given to a group of students from Central Elementary School. The Baptist Young Women joined the Baptist Women in this ministry.

The Stanly County Social Service Department organized the Helping Hands program to provide a Christmas event for needy people of the area. Baptist Women led the effort to involve the entire membership in this caring ministry in 1981-82. Thirteen families experienced the joys of Christmas with a complete dinner and all the trimmings, beautifully decorated trees with toys, clothes, other gifts and food. All of this was provided through generous donations from the church family.

This ministry continued to serve two families beyond the Christmas season. One young lady was assisted with needed articles to finish her educational program at Stanly Technical College. Another family was assisted with home improvements over a period of time.

In December, 1986, the Youth Group carried on this ministry of service and care at Christmas time.

The Bereavement Committee continues the ongoing ministry of serving the church families in times of bereavement. A meal is prepared and served at the home or fellowship hall, at the convenience of the family. Beverage service is provided in the home immediately and continues through the evening following the funeral. Should other needs arise during this time, someone is ready to take care of that need.

A small group of women meet every Wednesday morning for a time of intercessory prayer for the church staff and persons in need, including needs that came through the Dial-A-Prayer service. Many families have received cards following one of these prayer sessions saying they had been remembered. Manifestations of this caring ministry is immeasurable.

Networking with other organizations in the community has given First Baptist the opportunity to participate in city and county-wide caring ministries.

In 1974, the Stanly County Social Services sought assistance in delivering noon meals, prepared by the hospital, to older shut-ins in the community. A group from First Baptist entered into this ministry and began delivering meals to ten persons each Wednesday. This is an ongoing ministry, and First Baptist continues to be involved.

First Baptist elected three members to serve on the Board of the Stanly County Community Christian Ministries. Associate Pastor Justin Hill was active in the formation of this ministry. The church's budget provides $1500 each year to be used in this service, and members are asked to make donations of money, food, clothing, household items and any other need deemed necessary at a given time.

A budget fair was held on November 3, 1974, to inform the membership of money used to carry out Christ's commission. The program was presented in visual form of the 1975 Budget. It was a fun time with clowns, music and food, and the membership was able to visualize exactly how their tithes and offerings were to be spent. From 300 to 350 persons came to this fair. This format was repeated again on November 24, 1985 with repeated success.

The members of First Baptist have been exemplary stewards of their material resources throughout the years. No outstanding debts have exceeded six years, and since 1974 the church has never failed to meet mission enterprises.

The Finance Committee approaches the budget preparation from a pragmatic standpoint, using line item budgeting with some exploded line items. This format has proven to be workable.

Mary and Charles Swanner came to Albemarle, he as a teacher, coach and assistant parks and recreation director, and she as an art teacher and 4-H Club leader. After serving actively for several years with the youth of First Baptist and working closely with church staff, a decision was made to prepare for full time Christian ministry. Upon entering Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, N.C., he became pastor of Staley Baptist Church, Staley, N.C. A request was made by this church for Charles Swanner to be ordained by First Baptist. His ordination took place on October 17, 1976. Later he was called to Temple Baptist Church, Newport News, Va., to serve as Minister of Activities. It was here that he and Mary made the decision to volunteer for foreign mission service. They were appointed by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board on February 14, 1984. After attending orientation at the Missionary Learning Center in Rockville, Virginia, they left for language school in Costa Rico in August, 1984. After spending one year in concentrated language study, Charles and Mary, with children Christopher, Jessica and Chad, left for Montevideo, Uruguay. Soon after their arrival in Montevideo, they were assigned to Colonia, Uruguay. Charles serves as general evangelist and Mary as church and home worker. The Swanner children are helping to open doors of friendship and service through their quickly acquired language skills, school activities and participation in music and sports.

Let by the guidelines set forth in the Great Commission, First Baptist of Albemarle reached beyond the church family and community to participate in four missions projects since 1974.

In June, 1974, a group of eight young people, accompanied by Bill Rotan and Jerry Rollins, participated in the inner city ministry of Seventh Street Church, Baltimore, Maryland. This group led Bible classes, supervised playtime for children, tutored, cooked, served meals, cleaned, did small repair work and experienced the kind of work needed to carry on an inner city ministry.

The week was most successful and rewarding to everyone, except Jerry Rollins. He pulled a tendon in his leg while participating in a volleyball game. This required surgery to repair an Achilles tendon. Although somewhat immobile, Jerry remained with the group until the week was over.

In July, 1978, another youth group of eleven, accompanied by Martha Cowen, John and Ginger Link, involved themselves in Backyard Bible Studies and did church survey work for two Baptist churches in the Norwin, Pa. area. They rounded up the kids each day and found all twenty-five to be most responsive and enthusiastic. They surveyed 194 families in one day for Ruffs Dale Baptist Church, and 384 families in a two-day period for Norwin Baptist Church; finding 38 families without any church affiliation.

Tommy Wilson, Minister of Youth and Activities, and Wanda Gantt accompanied eleven youths to Alexandria, Virginia the week of July 1, 1984 to lead inner-city children in Day Camp experiences. They worked with kids from France, Ecuador, Iraq, but mostly kids from the United States. This was a home mission ministry with international outreaches.

Daytona Beach, Florida was the last mission trip to date. This mission touched some 450 people during the week of June 20-30, 1985. Thirteen young people, accompanied by Tommy Wilson, Anne Baucom and Wanda Gantt, conducted a Bible study oriented Day Camp on the beach within the proximity of five motels. The drama team gave performances at a different motel each night. This mission team received a letter from a family in St. Louis, Missouri expressing their appreciation and commending the youth and leaders for their work.

God's message to His people, as recorded in Isaiah 54:2:

has given First Baptist the guidelines necessary to become a vital church, always moving forward with ebbs and flows to maintain a balance between strong local church organizations and outreach ministries.

Following these instructions, First Baptist has taken action to enhance and improve their properties. Properties were bought and some were sold. Two major building programs have been completed since 1974.

When the Crotts property came on the sales market, the Property Committee made the recommendation that the church purchase it. Discussion meetings were held, and the proposal to purchase this property was presented to the membership for approval on March 21, 1976. It was approved and the property was added to the existing property for the purchase price of $50,000.

In March of 1976, the church received an inheritance of two houses located on the corner of Third and Summit Streets, plus a $5,000 cash gift from the estate of Mrs. Pearl Sibley. These two houses were rented until December, 1976 and sold in March, 1977. Proceeds from the sale of this property came to a total of $26,964.73. This amount, plus the $5,000 cash gift was applied to the Crotts property loan.

It was deemed necessary to demolish the house on the Crotts property in order to have better access to the educational building, pave a double driveway and provide additional parking space. The membership voted to take this action on August 15, 1976. Members were given the first option to purchase any items from the house. After a given period of time, the public was allowed to purchase the remaining items. The house was demolished by the end of 1976 at no cost to the church.

Negotiations to purchase the J.H. Hill property was begun in August, 1980. At that time the Property Committee was told that First Baptist would have first option to buy when it went on the market. In April, 1983 an offer was made to the heirs of the estate, and on June 5, 1983 the membership approved the purchase of this property for the amount of $25,000. The Finance Committee reported that $20,000 was available for application to this purchase. The house on this property was demolished by January, 1984 at no cost to the church. This acquisition, which adjoined the Biddix property, provided the space needed to begin construction of the fellowship hall and for future expansion.

A special committee was formed to study and make recommendations to the deacons to phase out the church ownership of the pastors' houses. On September 25, 1976 this committee made the following recommendations to the membership:

The membership accepted these recommendations on October 3, 1976.

The two pastoriums were sold by December, 1978. Proceeds from the sale of these properties were applied to the Ministers' Housing Trust Fund. The interest from this fund has paid the ministers' housing allowances in part.

Plans to purchase a new organ and the renovation of the sanctuary were begun prior to 1973 when Dr. Elroy Lamb was Senior Minister and Justin Hill was Minister of Education. The final plans were presented to the membership on Sunday, October 20, 1974. They were approved and the construction contract was awarded to Chisholm Construction Company of Rockingham, N.C. for the estimated cost of $204,110. The work was begun the week of October 28, 1974. While the renovation construction was underway, the worship service was held in the Central Elementary School auditorium.

March 30, 1975 was a special Easter Sunday at First Baptist Church. The worship service was celebrated with music and praise in the newly renovated sanctuary. The formal dedication of the sanctuary and organ was held on April 6, 1975. At 4:00 that afternoon, the membership and many visitors were privileged to hear a beautiful organ concert presented by Dr. James W. Good, professor of music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

December 15, 1980, First Baptist celebrated a very special event. The final payment had been made on the loan for the renovation of the sanctuary and purchase of the organ. There was a brief service of praise for this accomplishment, and the note was burned on Sunday, December 21, 1982.

The Property Committee approved the architects' drawing for the covered shelter over the driveway located at the east end of the educational building. The membership voted to accept the proposal to begin construction on this project in February, 1979. The estimated cost of this construction was $4,500 - $5,000. A gift of $2,000 from the estate of Mrs. H.C. Matheson was applied to this cost. Matthew Mabry was awarded the contract and he began work in early March, 1979. The shelter was completed by the fall of 1979.

In August, 1973, a committee was appointed by the Chairman of the Board of Deacons to study and define the needs with regards to the purchase of a church bus. In December, 1973, this committee recommended the purchase of a 15 passenger van. The final action on this recommendation was delayed until March, 1977, when it was accepted by the membership. The Whitley Bible Class launched a Transportation Fund Day on April 17, 1977 to provide an opportunity for each member to assist with the van purchase. The van arrived the week of May 12, 1977. The cost of the van was paid with memorials and money pledged on the designated fund day.

In August, 1983, a Vehicle Committee was appointed to study the needs for having another vehicle. Funds for this purpose had grown to a sizeable amount. On September 25, 1983, the committee recommended that the church purchase a 24 passenger mini bus for several reasons. Those reasons were: the bus had a center aisle, low steps, more knee space for older adults and would be more comfortable on longer trips. The church membership voted to purchase the 1984 mini bus for the price of $27,400.20. October 30, 1983 was designated as Transportation Fund Day. A total of $18,807.62 in cash and pledges were given. The new mini bus arrived the first week in March, 1984, and by mid-April the total purchase price had been paid in full.

Neither snow nor equipment failure has completely hindered attendance to the Sunday worship services at First Baptist.

On Sunday, February 18, 1979, Albemarle received a major snowfall. The worship services were cancelled. However, about forty faithful members showed up for Sunday School. On January 9, 1988, a 9"-12" snowfall cancelled most activities in the area. The Sunday School hour was cancelled on January 11, 1988. Eighty people came to Sunday School and 150 attended the 11:00 o'clock worship service on that date.

Sunday School was cancelled for two weeks in January, 1986 because there was no heat in the buildings due to a melt down of the furnace boiler. Worship services continued on schedule, meeting in the fellowship hall.

A strong wind and low pressure conditions forced out a stained glass window in the sanctuary, breaking it into thousands of pieces. Within hours a temporary covering was in place and by the weekend a replacement window had been installed. There were no interruptions in the worship service from that time to the installation of the new stained glass window.

First Baptist joined the nation in celebrating the American Bi-Centennial on July 4, 1976. Members dressed in colonial garb gathered to hear Dr. J.C. Boone, Jr. reenact the sermon preached in the 1700's by Jonathan Mayhew, "which from a colonial American point of view, provided the basis of governmental authority and why Americans should separate from the tyranny of English rule."

Plans had been made to gather around the Crotts house for an old-fashioned dinner on the ground. However, it rained and the dinner and entertainment were held in the church basement. The spirit of the event was not dampened by the rain, and a good time was had by those attending.

Believing in the importance of Christian fellowship in the spirit of fun and play, First Baptist has provided many outlets to fulfill some of these needs. Men and women have been participants in the softball and basketball church and community leagues. There have been ice cream socials and men's cookie baking contests. The Turkey Bowls and golf tournaments have been successful. An all-church variety show and a craft show provided entertainment and a chance to appreciate the members' creative talents. The event attended by the largest number of members has been the annual Birthday Banquets held each February or March. This is to honor each member with a special dinner, set on special decorated tables, and good entertainment provided by talented members or invited guests. Between 250-300 members have attended this special event each year.

Travels with First Baptist began under the leadership of Tommy Wilson. The first trip was to St. Mary's and Holy Trinity Episcopal churches in northwest N.C. on May 28, 1983. Since then, other points of interest have been visited by enthusiastic members.

The Fellowshippers, a group of retired couples and median adults, began to meet as an organized group on January 24, 1984. Their goals were fellowship, fun and travel. They have created an outlet to experience growth through interaction with their fellow members. The manifestation of this social ministry has been the development of special friendships within the church membership.

Bill Rotan, Minister of Music and Youth, presented his resignation to become effective March 21, 1976. He had accepted the call to a similar position at Beverly Hills Baptist Church, Asheville, N.C. At the time of his resignation, Mrs. Joann Morton became Director of the Adult Choir, Young Musicians and Handbell Choir on a part-time basis. Justin Hill was interim director of the Youth Choir and Youth activities.

The Personnel Committee, in consultation with the pastor, deacons and Finance Committee, made the recommendation that the church engage a Baptist Youth Corps worker for the summer months to serve as the Youth Activities Leader. This recommendation was approved, and David Love from Wingate College began work on June 3, 1976. David remained in this part-time position until March, 1977. Again, Justin Hill became interim Youth Director through September, 1977.

Carron Prince from Pheiffer College accepted this part-time position and joined the staff in September, 1977, and continued through March 21, 1978. During that summer, Martha Cowen served as Music and Youth Director and as Financial Secretary until August, 1978 when she resigned to accept the position of Director of Music at First Street Methodist Church, Albemarle. Kay Hughes accepted the position of Youth Director and Financial Secretary in September 1978. She continued in this position until September, 1980. At that time, as Kay Hughes Saunders, she moved with her husband, Hiram, to Orlando, Florida. At this time, Beth Fortune accepted the full-time position of Minister of Youth and Singles. Beth began her ministry on October, 1981 and continued through December, 1982. At that time she was married and moved to Kingsport, Tennessee.

The church extended the call to Tommy Wilson. He accepted and began work on February 21, 1983 as Minister of Youth and Activities. He resigned on April 1, 1987 to accept the position of Associate Minister, First Baptist Church, Lexington, N.C.

During the interim period, Tom Lankford and Donna McMillan filled the position as lay ministers in order for the youth to have leadership.

Mrs. Joann Morton continued to serve in the part-time position as Music Director from March, 1976 until April, 1988, a total of twelve faithful years.

Justin Hill was extended a call to serve at First Baptist as Minister of Education in 1968. He, his wife Mildred and sons Roger and Stephen, came to Albemarle in August of that year.

As Minister of Education, Justin Hill planned and conducted many church and Sunday School training activities. He also led in enrichment programs fostering spiritual growth. He held leadership positions in community organizations such as the Stanly Mental Health Board. He assisted in the formation of the Stanly Community Christian Ministries and worked on the steering committee for the Spring Weekend emphasizing family relationships.

Justin had a leadership role during the interim period between Dr. Lamb's and Mr. McDonald's ministries at First Baptist and was named Associate Pastor. He assisted in the planning and work of the sanctuary renovation. Justin had a significant role in the expansion of the media center and in many other areas of the church life. He was appreciated for his ability to "solve" many problems that needed attention around the church. The membership enjoyed his many musical contributions, as he was an accomplished pianist.

After 18 years of service, Justin Hill submitted his letter of retirement intent on August 20, 1986. He and Mildred asked for continued support and prayer as they "seek to minister in His name, more as a 'tentmaker' in our community." The retirement was accepted with regrets. The choir honored the Hills with flowers in the sanctuary on August 3. The church honored them at a reception on September 7, and a monetary love gift and serving trays were presented to Justin and Mildred.

At the present time, Justin is serving as Minister of Music at Memorial Baptist in Norwood and in his "tentmaker" role as an active participant in Habitat for Humanity. Mildred continues in her work with the Media Center at First Baptist and is working part time at the Baptist Retirement Home in Albemarle.

The departure of Tommy Wilson in April, 1987 left two vacancies in the church staff. The Rev. Ernest Russell agreed to serve as an associate minister from April 1 through June 21, 1987. During this interim period much input from the deacons and membership guided the church to the most effective approach to take in filling the two staff vacancies. After several months of evaluating the needs, the Personnel Committee recommended a search for an Associate Pastor of Education and Administration and a Minister of Music and Youth. This action was approved and on July 19, 1987 the membership voted to extend the call to David Phelps to serve as Associate Pastor of Education and Administration. David accepted the call and arrived with his wife, Lu, on August 23, 1987.

On March 20, 1988 the membership voted to call Greg Lundberg to serve as Minister of Music and Youth. Greg and his wife, Polly, began their ministry on April 24, 1988.

During the past fifteen years the secretarial staff experienced several changes. Linda Fairbairn and Diane Ritchie were the secretaries at the time Rev. McDonald arrived in 1974. They were succeeded by Shelby Kimrey in 1975, Kathy Coble in 1978, Shelba Thomas in 1980 and Ginny Skidmore in 1981 to the present.

The part-time position of Financial Secretary was filled by Linda Fairbairn, Kathy Coble, Martha Cowan and Kay Hughes Saunders. In 1980, Barbara Frederick assumed this position and remains at the present.

Robert Wall served First Baptist as cook and custodian for 28 years. Due to declining health rendered by a stroke, Robert took a disability retirement. On May 20, 1979, the church honored him and his wife with "Robert Wall Day" and gave him a love gift of cash and a pantry shower.

Roy Wolfe became interim director of custodial services on a part-time basis from April, 1979 through May, 1980. He was succeeded by Xang Ly as full-time director of custodial services. Xang remains in this position at the present.

The part-time position of church hostess was added to the church staff following the retirement of Robert Wall. Marie Coble was the first hostess and she was succeeded by Fran Morton as Food Service Manager. Fran received serious injuries as the result of an automobile accident. Lynn and John Oravec served as interim food service managers. Nancy Ray served one year, followed by Pat Leonard in 1987. Estelle Meigs had volunteered for many years in this area and since Marie Coble's tenure, she has served on the staff as a part-time food service helper.

The Media Center at First Baptist is of exceptional quality due to the work of several volunteers. There are many resources available for self-study and enjoyment. The library volumes have increased by 1,785 since 1974. This is due in part to many memorials. The overall operation of the library is a church budget item. To encourage education through reading, motivational reading clubs were developed for adults, families and children. Participants in these programs have been good. The cassette ministry was developed to serve the homebound members. The entire Sunday morning worship service is recorded and taken to the shut-ins. This ministry is available to anyone through the checkout process, or a copy of the cassette can be purchased.

A VCR and video camera were given to the Media Center. At the present this needs further program development to utilize this resource more effectively.

The Media Center is directed by a volunteer from the church council. Marie Coble served in this position from 1968-1986. Nancy Harwood served for the next two years. Mildred Hill has served long and faithfully as a volunteer, and there have been others to serve in this ministry.

The educational leadership has provided many teaching skill workshops for those involved in the ministry of teaching. Workshops within the church, associational and state-wide participation and special emphasis training have been provided on a continuing basis.

The education of the Christian family has been very much a part of the program at First Baptist. Fifteen couples attended the Fall Festival of Marriage at Ridgecrest in November, 1974. In 1980 several attended the Marriage Enrichment Retreat at Caraway Conference Center in Asheboro.

Dr. Lofton Hudson, founding director of the Centers for Christian Counseling in Kansas City and Omaha, came to First Baptist the week of May 7-10, 1978 to lead families in a Family Living Conference. This program was designed to cover all facets of family life, from the cradle to the grave. This was in lieu of the traditional spring revival.

In the spring of 1978 and 1980, First Baptist participated in weekend conferences directed toward personal growth through spiritual awareness. These conferences were led by outstanding leaders, such as Dr. William Oglesby, Dr. Charles Petty and Dr. Roger Crook. These were two weekends of ministry shared with other Christians in the Albemarle area.

The Sunday School departments have continued with the traditional graded studies. However, to meet the changing needs and interests, new types of Bible study classes have been developed. The Special Studies Class was begun so that a group could study the Bible and how it relates to personal and spiritual growth through everyday living. Study guides from the Bible, personal growth books and related tapes are used.

As of October, 1978, three adult co-educational classes had been developed: one for college students, one for working singles and couples up to age 30 and one for singles and couples between the ages of 31-40 years.

The MasterLife Discipleship training program began with the initial meeting on May 15, 1983. This program involved 26 weeks of learning how to abide in Christ and live in the world as ministers to others. Participants came to know themselves better and what they could do through Christ. This program developed into two groups, one met on Sunday night and the other during the week. Justin Hill developed this program and he and Mildred led the groups.

The adult Bible study on Wednesdays, led by Rev. McDonald, has experienced significant growth. This has grown from a few participating in a devotional format to a fully developed study. There have been as many as 85 in attendance on a given Wednesday night.

Another growth area has been the Winter Bible Study. This has developed in a major area of Bible study for the entire church family. This program began with four consecutive nights. To meet the changing needs of the membership, the time was changed to four Sunday nights in February. A snack supper was added, and as many as 125 members have been enrolled in the study.

The youth educational programs have always been, and will continue to be, vital to the future growth of the church. Programs to enhance the traditional Sunday classes were developed on Wednesday and Sunday nights. These programs teach the youth spiritual and personal development so that they can progress to leadership within themselves and in the church. Education through involvement has been most effective within the Youth programs. In October, 1983, the Youth Group raised $1,500 when over 2,000 people toured the Haunted House held in the Hill house. Money received from this project was donated to the Building Fund, World Hunger and to purchase equipment for the youth room. Money from the budget had been allocated for each of these needs, but the youth wanted to make a contribution. This project received recognition with a picture and story in the Charlotte Observer newspaper. An elderly woman read the story and sent the price of admission with glowing commendations to the Youth group.

In May, 1985, the Youth-in-Missions group was awarded the Volunteer of Stanly County Award for their outstanding volunteer service to the people of Stanly County. On September 11, 1985, they received the "Nine Who Care" award given by Channel 9 TV station in Charlotte.

In March, 1986, the youth and their parents began work on the basement to prepare it for use by the youth. Furniture and other items were donated and collected, and the area was painted and decorated. An "Open Basement" was held on April 20, 1986 to show the basement transformation. These projects and ministries were under the leadership of Tommy Wilson.

A Survey and Planning Committee was formed to determine the present and long range needs of First Baptist. This committee was approved by the church on February 25, 1979, and formed sub-committees. For the next four years, many hours were spent gathering information concerning the needs and dreams of the church to the year 2000. In order to involve the entire membership in these decision making processes, questionnaires requesting input were sent to each member. They were encouraged to attend the discussion meetings to become better informed of the progression of this endeavor. From this compiled information came the current need to construct a new fellowship hall. A feasibility study was instigated by a committee chaired by Leon Frederick. Consequently, members were asked to fill in the amount to be pledged to this building program over a 3-year period. These cards were to be unsigned. A goal of $600,000 was set and on June 3, 1984, a total of $448,800 was

pledged. On October 21, 1984, the membership accepted and approved the recommendation to construct a fellowship hall for the cost of $607,000. This amount was to cover all site work, paving, fully equipped kitchen and architects' fees. The ground breaking ceremony was on December 16, 1984, and construction was begun on January 14, 1985. The new fellowship hall was dedicated on October 13, 1985, followed by an open house and reception.

The excellent facilities at First Baptist have opened outreach ministries to the community. The fellowship hall has enhanced the time of fellowship for the members, and it has provided other service organizations and churches with space for meetings. Because of the many demands for use of this space, guidelines were established for usage and operational expenses.

Space in the Preschool Department of the educational building was used for the Mothers' Morning Out program when this ministry was developed in January, 1979. This financially self-sustaining ministry was developed to benefit young mothers with children 6 weeks to 4 years of age. This is an ongoing ministry at the present time.

Looking back to where First Baptist has been can become the impelling factor necessary to move into the next century of ministries.

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