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First Baptist Church of Cramerton began as an interdenominational union Sunday School which was organized shortly after the town was settled in 1906. The first pastor, Rev. C.M Erwin, served until November 1912.

 

Several Ministers later, Rev. J.P. Bennett became pastor in 1921. Membership grew to 241. The church sanctuary was built during his ministry. It was erected by Mr. Stuart W. Cramer and presented to the Baptists of Cramerton. The church was dedicated to God on August 28, 1921.Rev. J.M. Trogdon was pastor from 1923-1925.

 

Dr. E.V. Hudson became pastor on March 1, 1926. He served the church faithfully for 31 years. Membership grew to 769. A new educational building was built in 1950, located behind the sanctuary. Eight young men answered the call to preach during Dr. Hudson's ministry. Dr. Hudson retired on January 27, 1957.

Rev. R.O. Baker began his work in March 1958, The church’s sanctuary was air-conditioned. Rev. Baker resigned in February of 1963. Rev. Haynes Rivers assumed the pastorate in July 1963. During his ministry, a new educational building, appropriately named the Hudson Building was built. Rev. Rivers served the church until March 1968; Rev. Eugene Johns came to serve as pastor from 1968 to 1992. After his retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus. 

 

Rev. Tom Cabiness became the minister for 2 and 1/2 years. Dr. David Julen became the pastor in January 1997.

From early on, First Baptist Church had the following objectives as a church. (from the church bylaws --1996):

 

  1. To be a dynamic spiritual organism empowered by the Holy Spirit to share Christ with as many people as possible in our church, community, and throughout the world.

  2. To be a worshipping fellowship, experiencing an awareness of God, recognizing His person, and responding in obedience to His leadership.

  3. To experience an increasingly meaningful fellowship with God and fellow believers. To help people experience a growing knowledge of God and man.

  4. To be a church which ministers unselfishly to persons in the community and to world in Jesus' name.

  5. To be a church whose purpose is to be Christ like in our daily living by emphasizing total commitment of life, personality, and possessions to the lordship of Christ.

Church History
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