About Us
Mission Statement
First Baptist Church of Elon is a Christ-centered family of believers reaching out to all people through worship and service.
Church History
Our church has a rich and dynamic history. Beginning as a mission sponsored by Brookwood Baptist Church of Burlington, 47 charter members officially constituted Elon Baptist Church on August 8, 1948. Services were originally held in the Grange Hall on Williamson Avenue. Our church moved into its own facilities on the corner of Trollinger Street and Hold Avenue in 1950. James M. Horne was the first pastor, serving from August 1948 until August 1952. Rev. Truitt Gannon began as pastor in October 1952 and served until July 1956. The church purchased a parsonage on Summerbell Avenue in June 1953. In 1954 the church voted to change the name to the First Baptist church since it was the first Baptist church located in Elon College Planning for a new Sanctuary begain in January 1956. Rev W. T. "Tip" Cockman began his ministry in December 1956.
In April of 1957 the new sanctuary on Trollinger Street was completed. In December 1962, Dr. Thomas E. Powell Jr., owner of Carolina Bological Supply, offered the church two and one half acres of land on which our present facilties are located. Although the church on Trollinger Street was new, the congregation voted in June 1963 to accept a gift from Dr. Powell. In 1966 work was begun on a new educational building on Lawrence Avenue The old church was sold and our first service was held here in September 1968. The parsonage was sold in 1970. Rev. Cockamn served until July 1978.
Rev. Bruce O. Martin was called as pastor effective April 1, 1979, serving until July 1986. Mrs. Margaret Miller was called as Minister of Music in July, 1981. Our present sanctuary was built in 1981/1982 with dedication services held on May 2nd, 1982. The debt was retired in a special service in May 1990.
Rev. Norman B. Harris began his ministry on February 1, 1987. During the years 1989-90 our church conducted a long range planning study called PACT(Project: Assist Churches in Transition). From this study our church saw the need for a full time Youth Minister and additional education/fellowship space. As a result, Stan Vaughan was called as Minister of Youth and Family Activites, serving from January 12, 1991 until September 30, 1995. During the tenure Rev. Vaughan established a solid foundation of Youth Ministry. Also as a result of our PACT study, our present educational building and fellowship were constructed. These were dedicated on May 16, 1993.
Ministry AffiliationsOur ministry & mission partners include the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, CBF of North Carolina, and the Mt. Zion Baptist Association. |
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