Rev. David Lee Collins (1968-1970)

October 21, 1968 marked the installation of the eighth minister, the Rev. David Lee Collins who had accepted the call to the church 4 months earlier.

During his too brief stay with us he kept foremost in his mind and the minds of the congregation the building of a new church. He led the membership in the first church survey, which he hoped would lead to a decision for a new church site.

He took the first steps in the direction of a Church News Letter which was to be published monthly. Under his guidance the Bible Band Circle launched the First Baptist Food and Shoe Bank to help many depressed people of our area.

September, 1970 devastated the membership by the sudden passing of this beloved pastor after only 27 months as the leader. The grief stricken congregation went into a 30-day mourning period, but carried on through it all.

Rev. Kenneth B. Wright (1973-2015)

Taking over the helm in 1973 was our ninth minister, the Rev. Kenneth B. Wright. Following in the footsteps of Rev. R. R. Jones, under whose pastorate the edifice at Jefferson and Gilmer was built, and the ministers who improved, enlarged, renovated and maintained the Jefferson Street building, the zenith of Rev. Wright’s achievements as pastor will have to be for many years to come, the building of the modern structure at Wells and Jefferson at a cost of more than $1million.

With his leadership aided by the conscientious assistance of the Board of Trustees, the Building Committee and the never failing cooperation of a faithful, praying membership, the new church building was dedicated June 20, 1982.

Rev. Wright and the entire membership may look with great pride and deep gratitude to the Divine guidance of an all encompassing God who willed this accomplishment to be.

It is Rev. Wright’s hope that the church purchase several properties in the immediate vicinity to be used as sites for church related ministries and community service. It is his desire that the church develop programs needed to serve a diversified community in a downtown, urban setting. He plans to form ministries to serve an integrated congregation consisting of multiple socio-economic groups.