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west of the west side of the church building between Esterbrook Street and Cedar Rest Cemetery. The money was to be used to purchase another lot for the Parsonage. On December 4, 1919, the church voted to raise the pastor's salary from $300 to $400. In 1920, Reverend H. C. Roberts left and was replaced by J. F. Johnston from Baptist Bible Institute. He was called as half-time pastor. During this year the Baptist Young Peoples Union was organized. It was voted to put a copy of the Baptist Record in every home of the membership.
On June 12, 1921, Dr. A. P. Smith joined the church by letter from Brookhaven, Mississippi. Those who knew Dr. Smith knew him as a Christian Doctor, faithful to his church, and dedicated to service in his community. He attended church every Sunday. Rarely did he get to stay for the entire service as someone needed his help elsewhere and he would be called out. During the year it was voted to raise the pastor's salary to $600 and to give him a vacation in August with full salary paid during this time.
In 1922, Reverend W. A. Murray of Foxworth, Mississippi came as Pastor. While he was here the church voted to sell the unused portion of the church lot to the city of Bay St. Louis for burial purposes. So the church was truly located "in the cemetery".
By 1923, the membership had reached 79 with 37 enrolled in Sunday School. It was voted to raise the Pastor's salary to $1,250 and to call Reverend B. F. Whitten of Coldwater, Mississippi to the pulpit. Cooperation with the Kiln Church regarding the meeting time of Sunday School and Preaching Services was talked about at this time. A county meeting of the several county churches was held. Brother J. R. G. Hewlitt, Enlistment Missionary, talked to the group about a church building program. The Hancock County Baptist Association was organized at the Bay St. Louis Church with Pastor W. A. Murray, Logtown, as moderator and S. F. O'Neal as clerk and treasurer. This county association was to be discontinued in 1930. The committee appointed at this time recommended that Lot #506 South Front Street be purchased for a Pastor's home. Subscriptions were to be paid one fifth cast and balance in four equal installments.
In 1925, Reverend Whitten left the church as Pastor and was succeeded
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First Baptist Church the-First-100-Years-1896-1996-06
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