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Central Baptist Church of Carriere

20 Sones Chapel Road
601-799-2043

History:

A group of Christians held its first meeting on April 16, 1972, in the home of Mr. M.W. Roberts, with 43 in attendance, for the purpose of beginning a Southern Baptist Church in the McNeill area. During this first meeting officers of the church were elected. On July 26, 1972, Bro. John Hill was called as the first pastor. On August 2, 1972, the church leased the Presbyterian Church to begin worship services. On September 6, 1972, the church agreed to the name Central Baptist Church and voted to seek acceptance into the Pearl River Baptist Association. On February 7, 1973, the church began a building fund for the purpose of building a church. Central had its first revival services on March 16 -21 with Bro. John Graeter preaching.

On August 30, 1974, Mr. & Mrs. Dub Kennedy donated property for the church to be built in memory of their son Steven E. Kennedy. On July 20, 1975, the new church building was dedicated to the service of the Lord. On October 21, 1977, the church building caught fire, sustaining damage, but not totally destroyed. On October 29, 1978, the church held a dedication service for their remodeled sanctuary. On April 4, 1981, the church voted to add a baptistery and a steeple.

On December 18, 1988, the church caught fire and was completely destroyed. With the help of members and many other Christians, Central Baptist Church was able to rebuild; and on March 11, 1990, the new church building was dedicated to the service of the Lord. When the building was dedicated on this date it was completely paid in full.

On November 8, 1998, the church held a special dedication/celebration honoring the debt-free completion of its new pastorium.

On May 29, 2005, we held a special dedication/celebration honoring the debt-free completion of our new addition, including offices, nursery, preschool room, kitchen and fellowship hall.

Bro. Billy Galloway currently serves as Pastor, having been called by the church in July 2000. Bro. Danny Johnson currently serves as Minister of Music, having been called by the church as Minister of Music in 1996. Bro. Jade Peterson currently serves as Minister of Youth, having been called by the church in 2005.

Former pastors of Central Baptist Church include: Bro. John Hill; Bro. Joe Beach; Bro. James A. Smith; Bro. Ron Mercer; Bro. Louie E. Johnson; Bro. Steve Smith; Bro. Clark D. Stewart; Bro. Don Bazal; Bro. Brian Flahardy; and Bro. Raymond Jeffcoat.

Central Baptist Church continues to serve the Lord and be a witness for Christ in the McNeill community. We look back at the last 34 years and see what great things Christ has done and also look forward to what Christ is going to continue to do.