In the latter part of the 1800’s a need evidently existed in the town of Calera, a town whose population was approximately 800. A small group of individuals, under the direction of the Master Builder, must have recognized this need, a need for a church.. . . a Baptist church , and thus followed the organization of the Calera Baptist Church in the year of 1877.
Although organized in the year 1877, the Calera Baptist Church was actually constituted August 20, 1882 with a total of 4 members. The church, under the pastorate of T.F. Thomasson, received 5 additional members by letter during the remaining part of the year, therefore ending the year with a grand total of 9 members. Worship services were then held on the third Sunday of each month.
The original church building was of wooden structure and located about one block west of the present building. The original building, however, burned near the close of the century. Near the turn of the century, H.T. Brown, part owner of a sawmill, cut the lumber to build back the church, changing the location to the present block on which our church is now located, but facing highway 25 west. H.T. Brown’s interest in the church was not one of an outsider. He was there, in those early years, providing, not merely lumber, but his faithfulness. He served in various capacities, such as collector, deacon, and church clerk. In fact, his name appears as church clerk as early as 1901 and continues up until the 1930’s with very little interruption of service. It was said that in later years, although with a loss of hearing, he continued to exert his faithfulness through his attendance, and when questioned as to why he attended when he could not hear, he stated that he just wanted to show “which side he was on”... .definitely the Lord’s!
Prior to 1900, the largest membership reported was in the year 1887. The total membership was 61. George T. Lee was pastor during that year, and had served as pastor since 1885. His salary was $150.00 for the year. The Sunday School had a total of 58 pupils with 5 officers and teachers.
In the year 1900, the total membership of the church was 35. The pastor was W.W. Lee. His salary was $118.00 for the year. The number of pupils enrolled in Sunday School was 29 with 7 officers and teachers. Phillip Nye was Sunday School superintendent. A financial report showed church expenses for the year 1900 as $245.50 (spent on repairs and new buildings) plus $12.15 (spent on poor, fuel, Sunday School, etc.). The $245.50 was raised by the Ladies Aid Society which was very active during this period. In fact, minutes of their meetings reveal that they were responsible for purchasing pulpit furniture and carpet for the church in 1900. The church clerk in 1900 was J.T. McMillan.
In the period from 1900 to 1920, the total membership of the church averaged in the 40’s. During the major portion of this period, C.W. Wade served as superintendent of Sunday School, while H.T. Brown served as church clerk. It was during this period that a baptistery was built (1908), and was located where the pulpit stood in the early 1970’s.
As a result of action taken at the State Convention in 1913 permitting women delegates, Calera was among the first of three churches in the county to send. women messengers to the associational meeting. In 1914, Mrs. S.D. Motley was sent as representative from the Calera Baptist Church.
In the late 1920’s, church membership exceeded the 100 mark. It was also in the twenties that J.H. Johnson wired the church for electrical lights.
In 1934, the Calera Baptist Church built its first pastorium. This pastorium was used by the pastors of the church until a new one was built in 1955. It continued, however, to serve as an annex to the church, offering additional educational space for a period of time. In the late 1930’s, the total membership of the church exceeded 200.
Full-time preaching began in the 1940’s. In the late 1940’s W.W. Howell became an active part of the church membership beginning a long, faithful service as church treasurer (served until his death in 1967). It was at the end of this same decade that the church was called into special conference by the pastor, Ed O’Neal, to consider the building of a new church. The church voted in favor of looking into this possibility.
In 1950, however, the church decided on plans to repair the existing building. The auditorium was remodeled, and the two entrances on the front were removed and replaced by a single entrance. Also, the existing Sunday School annex was torn away and replaced by an educational building (2-story, with choir loft and baptistery on upper level). Both auditorium and annex were veneered with brick.
Other advances in the 1950’s included the building of a new pastorium (1950), and also the purchase of property adjacent to the church from W.H. Crawford and Jack Martin. This period not only provided preparation of its physical facilities, but growth of its total membership to 368 as of July, 1952, and further preparation of its members as exhibited by its first ordination (September, 1954), of one of its own into the ministry, Delmus Anthony.
Calera Baptist Church flourished in the early 1960’s under the pastorate of H.L. Sizemore. In 1961 a new educational building was completed. Of Baptist churches in the county in 1962, Calera ranked 3rd in grand total membership (661 members), had the 2nd highest enrollment in Sunday School (480 enrolled), had the 2nd highest in Training Union (272 enrolled), and also had the 4th largest enrollment in the Woman’s Missionary Union (84 members — included Sunbeams, G.A.’s, and Y.W.A.’s). It was also during this year that Calera had a total of 28 baptisms from revivals (the highest in the county). In 1968, Calera Baptist purchased the Bowdon lot which now serves as part of parking area. It was in 1966 that Ola Faye Gilliam began as pianist, and she has continued to inspire others by using her talent for the Lord over the past 23 years. In 1967 Donald Edwards, a long time faithful member of Calera Baptist Church, assumed, and faithfully executed, the duties of church treasurer for a period of 20 years. It was also during this same year that Mae Lambrecht became church clerk, and continues to faithfully fulfill that capacity at the present. In this capacity, Mrs. Lambrecht has also been instrumental in providing a major portion of the historical information contained herewith for the period 1977-1989.
The 1970’s, while under the pastorate of Howard Golden, began with the purchase of the Anderson property and house for the purpose of starting a mission. The mission was named the Northside Baptist Chapel and functioned as a part of the Calera Baptist Church until 1974 when it was constituted as the Northside Baptist Church. Also, in the early 1970’s (1971), a study and planning committee formed by the Calera Baptist Church made a recommendation that the church launch out on a building program which would be divided into three phases. The phases were (I) to add new pews and other decorations to present auditorium, (II) to build a new educational building, and (III) to build a new auditorium. Phase I was completed in the Spring of 1972. Phase II was completed in the Spring of 1973. In the Spring of 1974 the bus ministry was started. The total membership has remained above 700 for the period from 1970 through 1976; however, about one-third of the total is nonresident.
During the pastorate of James L. Brittain the church celebrated our nation’s Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. It was quite a festive occasion, with members dressed in costumes depicting those earlier days. Debbie Corner (Horton) began her faithful service as minister of music in 1976. Utilizing her unique creative ability, she was the first to establish a complete music program for Calera Baptist Church (involving children, youth, and adult choirs). Debbie continued to inspire the congregation with her musical programs for eleven years (resigned in 1987). Ann Edwards also began her dedicated service as the church’s first full—time secretary in 1976, serving under both James Brittain and Mack McCollurn for period of 8 years. June Hadaway’s faithful service as Vacation Bible School director began in the late 1970’s (1979), and she continues to serve in that capacity today. It was also during James Brittain’s pastorate that the church celebrated its 100th anniversary. April 17, 1977 was designated Homecoming Day. Several previous pastors returned to celebrate this momentous occasion with our church.. .those pastors included the Reverends George Tidwell, Joe Anglin, H.L. Sizemore, Glenn Gring, and Howard Golden. “Dinner on the Grounds”, and lots of good fellowship, was enjoyed at the conclusion of the morning worship service.
Another period of tremendous growth for Calera Baptist Church was under the pastorate of Mack D. McCollum (1979-85). The church was incorporated on March 10, 1980, and an emergency planning committee (appointed to determine measures for accommodating for our rapid growth) made several recommendations:
1) pastorium be sold and money applied to indebtedness,
2) church purchase Amoco property for $32,500,
3) Jack Martin property be purchased for $15,000,
4) building committee be appointed to check into building of new sanctuary on Bowdon lot,
5) financial committee be appointed to check ways of financing new sanctuary.
All recommendations were approved by church. In latter part of 1980, two morning worship services were held due to lack of seating in sanctuary. Total membership had increased from 667 in October, 1979 to 775 in October, 1980... .with a total of 49 baptisms and 81 received by letter, etc. during that church year. In April, 1981, Easter worship services were held at Oliver Park with the largest attendance ever----600+. At the conclusion of the 1980-81 church year Calera Baptist Church was recognized in the Shelby Baptist Association and presented an award as the fastest growing Sunday School and largest percentage average attendance gain for the year. The year 1981 also brought the realization of some of the past recommendations:
1) pastoriurn sold for $35,000, 2) Chevron property bought $35,000, 3) Jack Martin property bought for $15,000, 4) new sanctuary building committee revised old plans and opened bids for building new sanctuary. Final revised plans for new sanctuary were completed and approved by church April, 1982. On July 11, 1982 ground-breaking services were held for a new half-million dollar sanctuary and educational facility. Those taking part included the following:
1) the building committee - Dan Loftin - Chr., Henry Larnbrecht, Van Corner, Betty Bradley, Jo Davis, Mark Cobb, and Tracy Loftin;
2) the building finance committee — Roy Hadaway, Chr., Donald Edwards, W.W. Godfrey, Norma Loftin, Lamoyne Payton, Richard Dunnaway, Charlotte Patrick, Robin Godfrey, and Jeff Stewart;
3) the church staff - Mack McCollum, Jay McCollum, Ola Faye Gilliam, Ann Edwards, and Debbie Horton;
4) the oldest church member: Mrs. Janie Wade, the youngest church member: Amy Stone , and
5) other leaders --‘Carl Prichard, mayor; and John Duncan, associational missionary,
To aid in financing this project, approximately $190,000 was raised through a 3-year pledge program, and $200,000 in bonds were sold. On March 27, 1983 the first service were held in the new sanctuary. The following month, April 4, 1983, dedication services were held. The new sanctuary contains approximately 8,010 sq. ft., and will seat 675 (500 on main floor, 5.0 in choir, and 125 in balcony). The educational and administration part of the building is a 2-floor structure with approximately 2,150 sq. ft. per floor. The offices, classrooms, and choir practice room occupy this space.
Total membership at Calera Baptist had increased to 917 in October, 1983.. .with a Sunday School enrollment of 581. The evangelistic efforts continued to reach out as the church began a radio ministry in December, 1983. The Sunday morning worship services were broadcast over WBYE radio station for approximately two years. In January, 1984, the music ministry was even further enhanced by the purchase of hand bells acquired as a result of a gift by Mrs. Elizabeth Hammonds. Janis Comer utilized her musical talent by assuming the responsibility of directing the hand bell choir. It was also during July, 1984 that Calera Baptist Church called its first minister of education and youth, Joe Sorah. November 12, 1985 marked the payment in full of the loan at Central State Bank. In April, 1986, deacons recommended (and church approved) that the church purchase the South Central Bell property for $24,500. The ceremony for the removal of the cornerstone (placed June 16, 1959) from the old sanctuary was held June 3, 1986 at 2:30 p.m. A small metal box was removed. After pictures were made outside, everyone moved inside of new sanctuary for the continuation of ceremony. The small metal box removed from the cornerstone contained:
1) copy of Calera Baptist Church abstract of church property,
2) copy of church conference of May 2, 1951,
3) copy of planning’committee report of May 2, 1951, and
4) annual reports taken from Alabama Baptist State Convention minutes’ Annuals for years of 1932, 1942, 1952, and 1956.
Members still active in our church today who were mentioned in varying capacities on the information contained in the cornerstone include: J.H. Johnson (trustee, deacon), W.W. Godfrey (building committee member), and Julious Barrett (chr., finance committee).
Some other highlights of the summer of 1986 included the removal of the old sanctuary by a demolition team, the “Red, White, and Blue Revue” — a presentation in the church parking lot June 28 at 8 p.m. under the direction of Debbie Horton... with Dr. Lowell Vann (our interim pastor) as guest artist, and also in June, the calling of Barry Bruce as our new pastor. In August, 1986, Jim Dunnington was called as minister of youth and activities.. .and served in that capacity for 2 years.
During the pastorate of Barry Bruce the church voted to seek out and hire a minister of music and education. In November, 1987, the church voted to call Gary Ballard to this position. To offer an even further dimension to the ministry of our church, Jimmy and Betty Johnstone (as drama directors) are utilizing the talents of our young people in this area. The youth program has continued to be enhanced as Rick Blackerby was called to serve as Youth Director in December, 1988.
A couple of highlights of our current year (1989) include:
1) a concentrated, evangelistic effort initiated by our pastor to involve more of our membership in soul—winning, and
2) plans Lu purchase the Keller property for the sum of $40,000 (includes 2 houses).
Comparative data by 10 year increments reveal the following concerning church enrollment since the year 1932:
1932 ——— 160 1962 ——— 661
1942 ——— 260 1972 ——— 761
1952 ——— 368 1982 ——— 867
October, 1988 -—— 981
The pastors of Calera Baptist Church over the past 100 years include the following:
T.F. Thomasson (1882-83),
W.C. Cleveland (1884),
George T. Lee (1885-87),
J.M. McCord (1888),
F.M. Woods ( 1889),
J.G. Lowery (1892—93),
B.F. Giles (1894—95)
W.B. Carter (1897),
M.M. Wood (1898),
J.W. Day (1899),
W.W. Lee (1900),
W.J.D. Upshaw (1901—03),
J.W. Partridge (1905),
S.M. Adams (1908—09),
J.W. Stewart (1910),
W.D. Hubbard (1911),
J.H. Longcrier (1913—15),
W.C. Crowder (1918),
H.S. McMillan (1920—23),
C.H. Morgan (1924—25),
W.E. Smith (1926—30),
James A. Pate (1931— 32),
W.H. Haddock (1933—37),
T.J. Hafacre (1938),
L. Carlos Radford (1939—40),
George Tidwell (1941),
J. Allen Ruff (1942—46),
Curtis Bean (1947—48),
Charles Flurry (1949),
Ed O’Neal (1949—50),
Joe Anglin (1951),
C.I. Edge (1952),
J.F Goree (1953—58),
H.L. Sizemore (1959—62),
Glenn Gring (1963-65),
Howard H. Golden (1966-76),
James L. Brittain (1976—79),
Mack D. McCollum (1979—85)
Barry Bruce (1986— ).
As Calera Baptist Church contemplates the past, may it continue to press ever forward recognizing that we, its people, must neither rest in, nor lie restless from, what lies behind. As tomorrows become todays, and todays slip into yesterdays, may He who holds tomorrow be able to state concerning the action of Calera Baptist Church: “. . . .and it was very good.”
Charlotte Anthony Patrick
August, 1989