Bellview celebrates centennial with special events

The Latest Local News from the Cedartown Standard

Bellview Baptist Church is hosting a number of events in observance of its first 100 years.

Highlighting this historic achievement will be monthly activities that call attention to the past, present and future of the facility.

Pastor Justin Carter said plans are to make each occasion memorable for members and visitors.

A full slate of spring and summer activities will be kicked off with “How We Got to Church Day” on Sunday, April 19.

Robert McWhorter, event planner, said many people have no memory of the difficulty in traveling only a short distance along Polk’s unpaved roads.

This was when horse drawn wagons and buggies were the preferred mode of transportation during an era when automobiles were owned by a lucky few.

“The local church provided a place not only for worship but fellowship with friends and neighbors,” said Carter.

Homecoming is scheduled for Sunday, May 17. Worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the Zion Quartet will present special music. Featured speaker will be Stacey Dyer, Georgia Baptist Convention.

Revival will begin on this date with John Lemmings, pastor of Corinth Church in Haralson County, as guest evangelist.

“Old Fashion Day” is planned for Sunday, July 26. Members and visitors are invited to dress in attire that would have been fashionable in bygone years. This can include informal wear worn by country ladies and gents who could be seen at brush arbor meetings.

Plans are to build one where people can gather and then walk to the present church as was done during Bellview’s early history.

A former pastor’s appreciation day is also planned in honor of previous church leaders, including Clifford Chandler. He filled the pulpit on three different occasions.

Each of these and other 2015 events are planned to celebrate the heritage of the growing church and the community where it is located.

Early history, provided by McWhorter, notes:

Bellview (a 20 x 24 foot building) was erected in early 1901 and was a worship site for all denominations in the community. Monthly church services were held on the third Saturday and Sunday. Often, a Baptist preacher conducted morning meetings and a Methodist minister served in the evening. This small structure was known as the “Little Mission” where school was also held.

Today, members observe the “actual date” the church was constituted – 1915. Present were Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Sorrells, Joe Robinson, Bessie Casey Oaks, Lewis Casey, Mr. and Mrs. John Morris, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Waits and Evy Vaughn. Pastor at the time was Rev John Goss, who served until 1920.

An improved wooden structure was dedicated in 1919. Pastors during this era were J. C. Baker, M. B. Moon, and Fint Wallace.

In 1931, a larger sanctuary was build under the leadership of B. F. Stone. M. B. Moon returned as pastor followed by Jake Cash and Clifford Chandler.

The present church was constructed and dedicated in 1950 under the guidance of Clifford Chandler. Raymond Cook was the next pastor and Clyde Purser was ordained to preach the gospel.

In 1962, new pews and furniture were installed and a new pastorium was dedicated in 1964. The fellowship hall was completed in 1974 and a gym in the early 1980s.

“We are on the threshold of the next 100 years,” said Pastor Carter. “We want to honor the past during this year while planning for the future to keep spreading the good news as our membership continues to increase.”

Source: Cedartown Standard

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