First Missionary Baptist Church Hayneville

What First Believe

ARTICLES OF FAITH

I. THE SCRIPTURES.

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us, and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.

II. THE TRUE GOD.

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

III. THE FALL OF MAN.

We believe the Scriptures teach that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgressions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

IV. THE WAY OF SALVATION.

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial offices of the Son of God; who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is in every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.

V. JUSTIFICATION.

We believe the Scriptures teach that the great Gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

VI. THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.

We believe that the Scriptures teach that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by cordial, penitent and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own determined depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

VII. REGENERATION

We believe that the Scriptures teach that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith, and newness of life.

VIII. REPENTANCE AND FAITH

We believe the Scriptures teach that repentance and faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and helplessness and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our prophet, priest and king, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.

IX. GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE.

We believe the Scriptures teach that election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

X. SANCTIFICATION.

We believe the Scriptures teach that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

XI. PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.

We believe the Scriptures teach that such only are real believers as endure to the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. THE LAW AND GOSPEL.

We believe the Scriptures teach that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XIII.A GOSPEL CHURCH.

We believe the Scriptures teach that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word; that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons whose Qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.

XIV. BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.

We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

XV. THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.

We believe the Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations, by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public, and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

XVI. CIVIL GOVERNMENT.

We believe the Scriptures teach that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience and the Prince of the Kings of the earth.

XVII. RIGHTEOUS AND WICKED.

We believe the Scriptures teach that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

XVIII. THE WORLD TO COME.

We believe the Scriptures teach that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day, Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave for final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

FirstMissionary Baptist ChurchHistory

As researched by Minister Maggie Chaney

          First Missionary Baptist Church was organized in the year 1893. The Rev. D L Gulley preached the organizing sermon. After it was organized, the church called its first pastor, in the person of Rev Zake Cain. He was associated with the following officers: Deacon Tom McCall, Joe Moss, James Lewis, Hommor Barlow, Jonas Rudolph, and Ike Barlow. Rev Zake Cain served first for two years.

After Rev Cain’s leadership ended, the church called Rev S M Reeves to be the second pastor. He was indeed a “gospel preacher”. He was well informed in the Baptist Doctrine. He gave good and efficient service for seven years. During his leadership, Rev Reeves added many members to the church. Under his leadership, he ordained S M Lewis and Tom McCall.

After Rev. Reeves, the church called Rev Moss to be their third pastor. He was a plain and practical gospel preacher who served the church well for three years.

The fourth pastor called to serve First was Rev M C Williams. Rev Williams put his shoulders to the wheel and did much good work. He served First for __ years and lead the church well.

The church then called its fifth pastor, Rev Oliver. He was a fine leader and good gospel preacher. Rev. Oliver served only a short time.

The sixth pastor called to lead First was Rev Brown. He was a splendid and safe gospel preacher who knew his Baptist Doctrine very well. The work done by him was remarkable. He remodeled of the church and laid the cornerstone in 1912. He also ordained the following deacons: Adam Peterson, B S Whiting, Albert Cannon, John Hunter, Fate Barlow, and C H Whiting Sr. Rev Brown also licensed Rev B S Whiting to the ministry on June 15^, 1924. The respectful council was Rev Brown, Rev R L Payne, Rev Gulley, and Rev Wash Lewis. The church was recovered by Rev Brown. With Rev Brown and the help of the members of First, they added 10 feet to the back of the church. His leadership ended with his death, September 1927. After serving sixteen years, he left $60.00 to the church treasure in his will. He added many members to First during his pastorship.

            The seventh pastor called to lead was Rev Calvin. He too was a gospel preacher, a person and pastor that the church loved. He served about six months and our heavenly Father called him home.

          The church called its eighth pastor to lead in Rev Williams. His service was faithful. He ordained the following deacons: Bro C D McCall and Bro Asberry Cottrell. He served the church for two years.

          The ninth pastor called to lead First was Rev W M Madson. He was a well informed and a good gospel preacher. He served First five years and added 10 more feet to the front of the church.

          The tenth pastor called was Rev J H Cappell. He only led First for two years.

          The eleventh pastor called to lead was Rev W Green. He was a splendid preacher and added many members to the church. Under his leadership, the church was remodeled once again. He ordained one deacon, Bro Arthur Whiting. Rev Green died July 14, 1942.

          Rev B S Whiting pastured the church until Rev G W Williams was called to lead First. He was the twelfth pastor from 1942 to 1943.

          The thirteenth pastor was Rev H E Fields. He led the church for less than three years.

The fourteenth pastor asked to come to First was Rev J W McCall. He only served for one year.

The church called Rev Browder in 1946 to be the fifteenth pastor of First. Under his leadership, to deacons were ordained: Bro B T Barlow and Bro Richard Smith Sr.

The first Sunday in January 1950, the church called Rev R L Dixon to pastor. He was the sixteenth pastor called to lead First. Rev Dixon was well loved by the church. On April 7, 1957, he ordained the following deacons: Bro Albert Hurst, Bro Hugh Smith, Bro Charlie Whiting Jr. In 1957, a new church was built and the $10,000 debt that the church was in, paid in full in 3 years. In 1961, he ordained Bro William Hardy and Bro Scott Billingsley Jr.

          In 1962, on April 9^th, he ordained Bro William B Rudolph and also ordained Rev Aaron McCall to the ministry. He served the church well for twenty six years. He died in September 1976.

          After the death of Rev Dixon, the church extended a call to the Rev W M Ashley to serve as the seventeenth pastor for First. Rev Ashley was from Millbrook, Alabama. During his leadership, with the cooperation of the church congregation, they were able to buy a new piano, carpet, and furniture for the pastor’s study and the auditorium. He also bought a microphone system and extended the choir and pulpit. Rev Ashley was a hard worker and a gospel preacher. He was loved by many members of the church. He ordained Rev George McCall to the ministry. He also ordained the following deacons: Bro Bennie Smith and Bro William Brown. He served the church for seven years.

          Following the departure of Rev Ashley, March 1985, the church extended a call to the Rev George Davis, of Hayneville to be the eighteenth pastor of First. Who was well loved by the church because of his total dedication to Christ and First. Under Rev Davis’ leadership, the top of the church was renovated, two bathrooms added to the front of the church. He also was able to provide cushioned pews for the church. He ordained only one deacon under his leadership: Bro Leyvonne Griffin and ordained Rev Charles Tolbert to the ministry.

          In 2000, our presiding pastor, Rev. Aaron D McCall was extended the invite to be the nineteenth pastor of First. Under his leadership many wonderful changes have occurred. He has brought about several ministries, which includes the Women of Vision, the Men of Vision, Pastor’s Care and Christian Education. Pastor McCall is well loved by his members. He is truly a gospel preaching, teaching pastor truly dedicated to spread the Word of the Lord. Under his leadership First has transformed from being a Missionary Baptist church to being part of the Full Gospel Fellowship.