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newly constructed Education Building. The 2-story story, 5 department building replaced the "Hart House" which had been used as a children's building. The dedication took place at 1:30 p.m. following an old fashioned dinner on the grounds. Individual participants in the service were Rev. J. W. Brister, Superintendent of missions of the Gulf Coast Association Building Committee, Mr. M.L. Hill Treasurer, and Pastor John T. Dealing. The new building featured a 3 room nursery suite and intermediate departments, thus remaining a building for the youth. Bro. Dearing had accomplished another building step in the church, adding to the one he had taken before in the building of the sanctuary when he was pastor in the forties. He left the church to serve as a Naval Chaplin.
Rev. Perry Neal came into the church as Pastor on June 7,1970. He came here from First Baptist Church of Biloxi where he had served as Minster of Activities.
In 1971, it was voted to pay a $116 building note for Shoreline Baptist Church. The church voted to borrow $10,000 for air-conditioning and other maintenance work, including renovation of the balcony. It was also voted to give one half of money designated to the Association to Brother Murphy of Shoreline Baptist Mission for living expenses for two months. Repair of Hurricane Camille's damage to the church had precedence over his salary. On June 20, 1971, a Homecoming was held with Rev. Schuyler Batson from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria as pulpit guest. The morning service was followed by "Dinner on the Grounds." The church commended Mrs. Louise Lynch of Waveland Drug Store for refusing to sell pornographic literature. She had gone into legal action to sell other magazines that met her approval. The church voted to retain Fred Wagner as Architect. Rev. Joe Davis was recommended as Associate Pastor. Pamela Anderson was the Church Clerk. The Christmas Party this year commemorated the church's Seventy-fifth Anniversary.
In May 1972, a new bus was purchased for $777.77. The church budget was increased by $2,760. Ronnie Hague was to be Music Director full time instead of part time. In June of this year, the Royal Ambasadors (R.A.?s) was organized for boys in grades 1 through 6. The Brotherhood agreed to give an outstanding RA Plaque called the "Alfred Cospelich Award." Alfred Cospelich
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First Baptist Church the-First-100-Years-1896-1996-18
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