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Orphanage. Offering envelopes and a Communion Set were authorized.
On February 4, 1945, a big step forward was taken by the church. It accepted a deed tendered by Dr. T. B. Sellers donating a lot for a new church building on Main Street near the U. S. Post Office. The Church agreed to the terms expressed in the deed "that the property can never be sold or disposed of in any manner without consent and approval of Secretary of Mississippi State Missions Board; and, if sold, proceeds shall become funds of this Board to be disposed or expended in any manner it may decide.? The writer of this history remembers this day well as the one on which she entered the fellowship of this church by letter.
In March of 1945 the church granted the request for an architect to be hired, and the building program was begun in earnest. It was decided to purchase a sign for the front of the church lot. A colonial type building with a seating capacity of 192 was recommended and adopted. It was agreed to transfer 50% of surplus funds to the Building Fund and also 50% of each month's surplus of regular monthly funds.
The Church accepted the offer of $1,000 cash from Mrs. Mary Touchard for the lot formerly purchased by the church. The resolution read: "Whereas it now appears that said property will not be needed as a site for a new church building, the church having acquired a more desirable lot, and that it would be to the best interest of the church to dispose of said property and use the proceeds in a new church building on another lot. Be it further resolved that the church pay the real estate agent 5% of price or $50.00.?
In March 1945, after 16 years of dedicated service to our church, Reverend W. S. Allen resigned as Pastor. A committee was appointed to draft suitable resolutions expressing appreciation of his faithful services. A committee was also appointed to canvas the membership to raise funds to pay the deficiency in the pastor's salary during previous years when the church was not raising enough funds to cover all its local expenses.
The names of Dr. T. B. Sellers, H. B. Duckworth, David Middleton, W7. W. Stockstill, and Dr. A. P. Smith were put on the Building Fund Committee. At
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First Baptist Church the-First-100-Years-1896-1996-10
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