Concord Baptist Church celebrates 200 years

Concord Baptist Church was filled to overflowing on Sunday, Oct. 26, as members gathered to celebrate the church’s 200th anniversary. Some wore long dresses, bonnets, overalls, and straw hats reminiscent of the 1800s to honor the church’s roots. The service opened with a time-honored roll call — a cherished tradition that echoed Concord’s deep and enduring history.

Concord Baptist was formed in 1825 as an outreach of the Bulltail (now Wells Chapel) church. As they grew, Concord kept a mission mindset. In 1835, the church sent 24 members to establish Beaverdam (now Magnolia) Baptist Church. In 1853, they sent 32 members to establish Carroll’s Chapel (now Corinth) Baptist Church. Over the years, Concord has also sent missionaries to China and Africa. In the past 28 years alone, they have given over $500,000 to missions. The heart of Concord is still beating strong today.

Following roll call, the church congregation sang hymns together, including “When We All Get To Heaven,” “Bringing In The Sheaves,” and “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The church followed with prayer, offering, and a reflection on attendance and financial records. “In the 1800s, the church started with just 15 members and an offering of $4.50. In 1825, the pastor’s annual salary was $27. From 1929-31, it was $150 annually. We’ve changed a lot since then,” Gary Bell, Sunday School Superintendent and Chairman of the Concord Church’s Historical Committee, said. Announcements were made about upcoming events and acknowledgements of those who have passed since last year. Flowers decorated the front of the sanctuary in honor of one who passed: Diane Usher Spivey. The Usher family, like many attending Concord today, have been in attendance at the church for two to three generations.

Pastor Jimmy Johnson was then honored with a special engraved Dignitary Bible from Gideon’s Bible International. In his 28 years of service at Concord, Pastor Johnson has been a committed supporter of the ministry of Gideon’s Bibles.

Gary Bell shared a brief summary of the church’s history and read the names of the original 15 members. Though most of those families have gone on (and some are buried at the church cemetery), they have left their mark. The original church sanctuary is still the one used in worship every Sunday. It was renovated in 1996. In the early 1900s, additions started to add space for Sunday School and fellowship. A new fence and sign were added to the cemetery in 2019. In 2022, a new LED sign was added in front of the church, but the structure still holds its classic, timeless charm.

Bell showed a slideshow of pictures showcasing members, growth, and memories made at Concord over the years. Pastor Johnson welcomed Dennis Conner, a leader from the Southern Baptist Convention, as their guest speaker. Conner preached about the importance of memorials. “Meaningful memorials, like what you are doing here today at Concord, recall God’s promises, provision, and protection,” Conner said. Conner recalled history and how the church had to hold strong despite political tides and wars surrounding it on all sides. He encouraged the current congregation to take time to recall God’s protection, provision, and promises fulfilled in their own lives. He also invited people to make today their own personal memorial day if they had not yet accepted Christ as their own Savior. The service closed with an altar call, singing “Amazing Grace.” People lingered in fellowship and a full potluck banquet following the service.