First Baptist Church Marks 170 Years of Community Service

On March 10, 2024, the First Baptist Church in Clinton celebrated a monumental milestone: its 170th anniversary. The service, held at the church located at 408 College St., was filled to capacity with congregants dressed in their Sunday best, reflecting on the church’s rich history and community impact.

Pastor Ray Ammons welcomed attendees with enthusiasm, emphasizing the collaborative effort that has brought the church to this significant point in its history. “There is a reason God placed us here at 408 College St. in Clinton,” he remarked, underscoring the church’s deep roots in the community.

Among the attendees was Clinton Mayor Lew Starling, who led the congregation in a celebratory litany, acknowledging the church’s legacy and its role in the community. The theme of celebration permeated the service, particularly during a special segment for children, where Children’s Minister Amy Turner guided the young ones in a discussion about the importance of birthdays, culminating in a candle-blowing ceremony.

During the service, longtime church member Jim Matthews shared an inspiring history of the church. “For our church to have celebrated 170 years is an amazing accomplishment,” Matthews stated. He highlighted the church’s origins in 1854, initiated by 16 individuals who sought a Baptist congregation in Clinton. Matthews also noted the establishment of a sister church in 1884 by Black members and the subsequent formation of two mission churches in the 1950s, all testament to the enduring faith that has sustained the congregation through the years.

Guest pastor Justin Jones, who grew up in Clinton and is the son of a former pastor, delivered a heartfelt sermon titled “What Time is It?” Reflecting on his own childhood memories, Jones brought a personal touch to the occasion. “It’s good to be back home,” he said, resonating with those in attendance who shared a collective nostalgia for the church’s past.

Following the sermon, the congregation gathered for a group photo, continuing a tradition from the church’s 150th anniversary celebration two decades earlier. The day concluded with a catered lunch featuring fried chicken, barbecue, coleslaw, and more, providing an opportunity for attendees to reconnect and reminisce about their experiences at First Baptist.

Overall, the 170th anniversary of First Baptist Church not only celebrated its historical significance but also reinforced its ongoing commitment to the community, a legacy that will undoubtedly continue for generations to come.