First Baptist Church celebrates 159 years
Russellville First Baptist Church earlier this month celebrated 159 years of existence. At the annual homecoming celebration, we welcomed many new and familiar faces.
From its beginning, First Baptist Church has sought to glorify Christ and live out the Great Commission. According to the Franklin County Baptist Association, the church established five church missions in Franklin County.
The guest speaker was Alabama native Jay Stewart, director of the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. Stewart studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has served as a disaster relief volunteer over the years.
He has served as pastor of Dwight Baptist Church in Gadsden; as student/music minister at Center Hill Baptist Church in Loganville, Georgia; as minister of music and youth at White Spring Baptist Church in Rainbow City; and as minister of music at Calvary Baptist Church in Gadsden. Pastor Stewart gave an inspirational message.
Bert Fowler, former Minister of Music at Russellville First Baptist Church for 28 years, returned to direct the music for the Homecoming Celebration. This was a real treat for many of his friends who he had directed through the years at First Baptist.
Fowler is a graduate of the University of Alabama music program and did his graduate work in Fort Worth, Texas. He has served as a composer/ arranger in the Muscle Shoals area. We enjoyed visiting with Fowler and his wife, Carole, as everyone shared this 159 years milestone for First Baptist Church.
The sanctuary was decorated with beautiful flowers given in honor of past, present and future members of Russellville First Baptist Church.
The congregation joined in singing music and topped off with the choir’s performance of “Thou O Lord.”
Following the service, 275 members moved to the Fellowship Hall, where everyone enjoyed a delicious luncheon that featured ham and chicken tenders and varieties of home baked food and desserts. Beautiful flowers decorated the tables throughout the Fellowship Hall.
The RFBC Ministry Team committee members who coordinated homecoming included myself, as chair; Robbie and Lynn Bolton; Kathy Cleveland; Brian and Amy Bragwell; Hillary Hall; Chad and Mindy Sheffield; Pastor Chase Dowdy; Gene Ellison; Sheila Woods; Calvin Parmer; Jessie Patrick; and Angie Tidwell.
Russellville First Baptist Church serves the community and supports a variety of local events. Earlier this month, church staff provided an appreciation luncheon for 350 educators, school staff, employees and administrators of Russellville City Schools. Several First Baptist Church members and members of the Students Youth Group assisted with serving.
Pastor Chase Dowdy gave the welcome and blessed the food. Garrett Booth, FBC Music and Education director, selected the music for the luncheon. Joel Davis, Students and Senior Adults director, coordinated the entertainment and games. Several attendees received door prizes and gift cards.
The summer has been a busy season for First Baptist Church Ministry. Angela Woods, Children/ Preschool coordinator, directed the Vacation Bible School 2026 “Illumination Station” for FBC FirstKids Ministry. Over 90 kids and 90 adults participated nightly.
A weekend of worship, Bible study, and fun to CentriKid Camp at Shocco Springs brought new experiences to 17 kids and 13 adults. The theme was based on “The Storyteller: Author of All Things.” Woods said she and Dowdy are following up with each family as we celebrate what God is doing in their lives.
Joel Davis, Elevate Student Ministry director, was brave to carry 53 students and leaders on a life-changing mission to an assisted living center at Fuge Camp in Mobile.
He described the impact as “immediate and eternal,” noting five of the teenagers made “major decisions for Christ.” He said it would not have been possible without the investment of our church, for loving our teenagers, offering prayers and fundraising support.
The PrimeTimers are “constantly on the road” under the leadership of Brother Joel.
Trips included Branson, Missouri, shows and attractions; Top of the River Restaurant in Michie, Tennessee; and a tour of the Toyota Exhibition Hall in Tupelo, Mississippi, with lunch at Romie’s Grocery.
Brother Garrett Booth keeps FBC singing the gospels throughout the year. During the summer, he arranged for our church to perform the National Anthem for a Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball game.
This was the fourth opportunity that First Baptist Church choir has be asked to perform. He also coordinated the music for vacation Bible school and other events at the church and community.
Russellville First Baptist Church certainly lives up to its motto to “Gather In, Grow Up, Go Out.”
