The History of Fairfield Baptist Church
1885-Present
The FAIRFIELD BAPTIST CHURCH was organized in 1885 under the leadership of the late Reverend A. D. Freemen. Historians reveal that the church was so named because it was located in a "FIELD" so level that it was called "FAIR". The church building was located in the far left corner of the present building and was also used as a school. Several years later another church building was erected. Regular church services were held the third Sunday of each month. The late Reverend A. C. Collins, under whose leadership the Senior Usher Board was established, succeeded Reverend Freeman.
The late Reverend Zack Brown became the third pastor of Fairfield. During his tenure the regular church service was changed from the third Sunday of each month to the first Sunday. Four auxiliaries were also formed: the Deacon Board with Deacon Will Mapp as chairman, the Mission Board, another Usher Board, and the Senior Choir.
In 1941, Reverend C. L. Nall became the fourth pastor of the Fairfield Baptist Church. Regular church services were now being held on the first and third Sundays of the month. Several new auxiliaries were also organized: the Junior Choir, now known as the New Vision Choir, was organized by our own Deaconess Mary Broughton; the Junior Usher Board, now known as Usher Board #2; and the Trustee Board. Bro. William Davis was hired as the church pianist. He was succeeded by Bro. Kelvin Broughton.
In 1962, under the leadership of Reverend Nall, the second sanctuary was completed. (This sanctuary was located in front of our present building) Also during this time the C. L. Nall Male Chorus was organized. (That choir is known today as the FBC Male Chorus).
In 1969, Fairfield purchased its first organ and Sister Teresa Shy was hired as the church's first organist and remains today a member of the music staff at Fairfield Baptist Church.
In 1977, after 37 years of service, Reverend Nall retired as the pastor of Fairfield Baptist Church. But he continued to serve in the "honorable " position of "Pastor Emeritus" until his death in 1993. In June 1977, the Reverend Micheal Benton was called to the pastorate of Fairfield.
In January of 1978, Fairfield began holding regular church services every Sunday. This administration has given birth to several auxiliaries: the Deaconess Ministry; the Youth Church; the Welcome Committee; the Mother Board Ministry; the Hospitality Committee; the Pastor's Aide; the Gospel Choir; the Nurses Guild; the Mass Choir; the Sanctuary Choir; the Male Chorus; the Chosen Generation; and the Sunbeam Choir. Several Outreach Ministries have also been birthed: the Prison Ministry; the Prayer Warriors; the Clothing Ministry; the Food Ministry; Job Network Bulletin Board; Counseling Ministry; Micheal Benton Academic Excellence Program; the Singles Ministry; the WING's Ministry, Couple's Ministry and the Senior Ministry. Noonday and evening Bible Study on Wednesdays were implemented. Vacation Bible School was reorganized as an extension of Sunday School.
In October 1979, Reverend Edith Gilham became the first Fairfield Baptist Church female-licensed minister.
In 1984, the land was purchased for our present building site.
In 1987, an addition was made to the previous sanctuary and soon afterwards the 8 a.m. service was organized. This service was later changed to 7:45 am, and then changed to 7:30 a.m.
The first Sunday, April 1989; members of Fairfield Baptist Church joined hands and marched into our present Sanctuary. "Thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
The community surrounding our church began to blossom. Because of the tremendous growth in membership at Fairfield Baptist Church, Pastor Benton became Fairfield's first full-time Pastor in 1990.
In 1991, all the church debt being paid off, we purchased twenty acres of land adjacent to the church.
In 1992, the existing building located on the newly purchased land (known today as the church annex #1) was renovated and Sunday School classes were transferred to that building. The 31st day of May 1992 was another great moment in the history of Fairfield. That was the day of the cornerstone ceremony. The Smooth Ashlar Grand Lodge F & AAY Masons performed the ceremony. Copies of pertinent church documents were placed in a time capsule and sealed behind the cornerstone by the Grandmaster, Mr. Norman A. Woodard.
In April 1994, the Lord blessed us to purchase our first 47-passenger motor coach. Shortly afterwards the Lord also blessed us to purchase 16 additional acres of land.
In 1995 and 1996, the church experienced rapid growth and as a result, more sons and daughters were added to the ministry and more deacons and deaconess were called to work in the vineyard. As a result of this growth, the need arose to form a monthly support group to offer outreach services to our community and hospitals; Thus the formation a Monthly Support Group that consist of Deacon, Deaconess, The Mother Board and Associate Ministers. Working together they are helping to meet the needs of our growing congregation.
In 1995, we held our first Watch Night Service, which became a yearly tradition.
In 1997, we had by God's grace, paid off our existing property loan, purchased another new van, added the WING'S (Women Over Fairfield) Ministry to our Outreach Ministries, and expanded our Deacon and Deaconess Ministries. We were blessed to have a full time secretary and hired a full time Minister of Administration and Minister of Music.
In 1998, our 113th Church Anniversary was celebrated and preceded by a week of revival that included auxiliary and committee anniversary celebrations. This became a Fairfield Baptist Church tradition. A third worship service was added. We now worship each Sunday at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Also, the Male Usher Board, the Higher Praise Choir and the Couples Ministry were formed. Another house located on Redan Road was purchased and renovated. Another part-time custodian was hired and later the position became full-time.
In 1999, we purchased two houses for the church, which make four houses the church now owns. Annex I burned, but was later remodeled for continued church use. Annex II, purchased for additional space based on the growth of the church and its activities was remodeled. Reverend Benton realigned the administration by appointing positions and committees to enhance the business sector of the church as part of his 1999 vision.
The following ministries were added: Building Committee, Human Resource Committee, and Parking Committee. A Chief Usher was appointed for the first time at Fairfield Baptist Church, which has greatly enhanced the overall structure and effectiveness of all Usher Boards. Approximately twelve new ministers completed their qualifications to receive licenses for the ministry. The church roll increased by 363 new member and we praise God for the increase.
The first Fairfield Baptist Church "Martin Luther King Workshop" was held and was very successful. Ten of Fairfield Baptist Church Associate Ministers became pastors: Reverend Michael Lee, Reverend Ricky Hammond, Reverend Herman West, Reverend Patricia Gaston, Reverend Edward Carroll, Reverend Stanley Calloway, Reverend Cynthia Smith, Reverend Gail Middlebrook, Reverend Priscilla Moody, and Reverend Hillman Graves.
The Higher Praise Choir was established for the edification through song. Reverend Benton initiated teaching on Spiritual Warfare "The Whole Armor of God", which culminated in the first off-site Watch Night Service, held at Stephenson Middle School with everyone dressed in military attire.
In 2000, Reverend Benton, successfully completed his Bachelors Degree in Biblical Education. Also, the body of Fairfield Baptist Church grew to approximately 3000 parishioners. Additional properties were purchased on Young Road and Redan Road. The Summer Camp Program was restructured and organized to meet the needs of our youth during the summer months. The Church launched the Fairfield Baptist Church Web Site for enhanced communication to its congregation, neighboring community and the world.
In 2001, Fairfield continues to grow and expand. Fairfield Baptist Church Computer Learning Center was established. Currently under construction are an administration building and a Life Center that will encompass a gymnasium, classrooms, a library, a modernized kitchen, a computer lab and much needed office and meeting space. Upon completion of these two buildings, Fairfield will build a new sanctuary. We thank God for all of His blessings.
In 2002, we completed construction of both the Family Life Center and the Administration Building. In April 2002, both buildings were dedicated back to God. We began holding our 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. services in the Family Life Center each Sunday. The library opening to the public, tutoring classes, the computer lab training center, leadership meetings, as well as housing their offices of the church staff.
In 2003, Thus far through Pastor Benton's vision, the FBC Summer Teen Enrichment Program was birthed, aiding teenagers within the church and the community. The FBC Family Life Center After School Program was also birthed, providing a safe Christian environment for our children after school.
The Family Life Center's potential continues to be tested through the varied events and programs held from day to day. The FLC has been used on any given day for church service, athletic tournaments, banquet dinning hall, theatrical performances, and even The William Brothers and Smokie Norful Concert.
We also purchased two houses for the church, which make six houses the church now owns.
We also purchased a new 55 passenger motor coach and an additional 16 passenger van.
Fairfield Baptist Church sponsored the "FBC Kingdom Voices" Toastmasters International Club.
We thank God for all of His blessing.
Throughout this period of growth and change Fairfield has remained a warm, loving and caring church. Our main focus is still to worship, praise, and lift up the name of Jesus. We will continue to keep God first in all that we endeavor and allow His Spirit to LEAD and GUIDE us.
"PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD!!!"
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