All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it.

-Hebrews 11:13 (NLT)

 

One hundred and twenty-five years ago, a handful of men and women, both passionate for our community as well as God, embarked on a mission. They engaged their imaginations and partnered with God to envision a church – what we now know as Dortches Baptist Church. Our church has continued to grow into that vision, and has extended way beyond those original visionaries. They believed in the promise of what God could do in our community; and while they knew they would not live long enough to see what we have become today, they saw it and welcomed it from a distance.

On September 23, 2018 at Dortches Baptist Church, we celebrated our 125th Anniversary with a Homecoming Celebration. We had incredible music during the service, including special music from our choir; and soloists, including Sophie Barton, David McCray,  Margie Jesse, and Anica Weeks. Guest instrumentalists included Alan Brown on the piano and Lennie Collins on the organ. Our service concluded with an inspirational message by Rev. Johnson Gupton.  Rev. Gupton grew up in our church and was baptized in 1946, one year after his family moved to town. Rev. Gupton was licensed to preach at Dortches Baptist Church on November 14, 1954, while attending Campbell College to prepare himself for ministry.

This video was shown during worship to commemorate our past and look towards our future.