Mike Gunn burns the bank note in July signifying the final payment on the church building

Carrville Baptist celebrates 67th anniversary

Contributed

It has been said that to move forward one must understand where they are and how they got there. In the 1950s, Americans were enthusiastic and energized, riding the momentum of victory in World War II. The waves of optimism and visionary pursuits reached every corner of society, even their churches. On Aug. 8, 1954, East Tallassee Baptist Church realized her own vision for the future by planting a church in the Carrville community. Carrville Baptist Church (CBC) began with fifty-six people committed to the gospel and God’s advancing his work in Tallassee and the surrounding areas.

God’s providence and grace were evident as the following year the church purchased land on Sims Avenue and initiated the process of erecting a new facility, which included a sanctuary, rooms for education, and a pastorium. The first building was completed in 1969, however, the church’s compassion and ministry to the community led to significant growth, which created the need for building expansion that was completed in 1986.

In 2005 CBC once again stepped out in faith to further the vison birthed in 1954. The church voted to purchase ten acres of land on Highway 14; and by God’s grace, the land was purchased debt free, with the construction of a new facility beginning in June 2007. On Sunday, Aug. 9, 2009, the members celebrated the church’s 55th birthday by gathering at 501 Sims Avenue for the last time and walking to their new building at 2436 Notasulga Road. By God’s grace, the church paid off the mortgage in July 2021. This past Sunday (Aug. 8, 2021) CBC assembled to celebrate 67 years of God’s faithfulness and provision, to honor the years of fruitful gospel ministry, and to dream of a bright future.   

Ray with his wife Rebecca and two sons, Sam and Jonathan

God’s faithfulness is clearly seen by the ongoing presence and ministry of CBC in the community. Their desire to share the love of God in Jesus Christ remains strong, despite recent challenges. While the pandemic has altered many of the church’s ministries the Bread of Life Food Pantry, a ministry that feeds approximately eighty families each month, has continued uninterrupted. Now, CBC looks to the future -  the opportunities God will bring into focus, and the people he will inspire to join them in reaching their community with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Earlier this year on April 11, CBC called Dr. Keith Ray to shepherd the church and lead in realizing God vision and purpose in the years ahead. He is joined by his wife, Rebecca, and their two sons. Keith is a native Alabamian with over 20 years of ministry experience, his ministry focus is expositional preaching and building Christ-centered relationships. He holds degrees from Southeastern Bible College (B.A.) and Beeson Divinity School (M.Div., and Dr. Min.).

Carrville Baptist would love to meet you if you are looking for a Christ-centered church to worship and serve with. Currently, they meet for Bible study classes at 9 a.m. and corporate worship at 10 a.m. on Sundays, as well as an informal Bible study and activities for youth and children on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m.