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Our HistoryBeckwith Missionary Baptist has been a beacon of the Beckwith community in Wilson County, Tennessee, for over a half century. The size of the buildings and congregations have grown and changed over that time, but one thing that has not changed is the fact that the true Word of God has been preached from the pulpit.
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Who We Are |
In 1955, members of the Beckwith community realized there wasn't a church in the area that taught the true plan of salvation and Word of God. Coming together, Bro. Harry Lain offered his backyard as a location for the first tent revival, which was held in May 1955. During this revival, many souls were saved, and on July 16, 1955, the church was organized in Mr. Lain's living room! There were four charter members along with Elder Ted Smith, who was the preacher at the revival, acting as the first pastor. A permanent building was soon built right across the road from the Lain residence.
Later, in the 1970s, Beckwith Missionary Baptist saw their first building upgrade. This new addition to the existing building provided much more room for different Sunday School classes and a larger sanctuary to make room for the growing congregation. In the mid-2000s, it was voted to start work on an entire new building that was originally meant to be a fellowship hall. God was blessing Beckwith with such a growing congregation though, that it was soon decided to make this the new sanctuary. The celebration for the new sanctuary was held on August 10, 2014, and one charter member and many early members attended and told about the early days of Beckwith. Thankfully, the blessings of God are still being given, and the church congregation is still growing every year! |
Former Pastors and Deacons |
Pastors:
Deacons:
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Succession Back to Christ |
The Baptist Church at Beckwith was organized by Bro. Ted Smith in 1955, who came from Mace's Hill Church in Smith County, Tennessee. Mace's Hill was organized by Bro. Calvin Gregory in 1917, who came from Mount Tabor Church. Mount Tabor was organized in 1836 by Bro. Daniel Smith, who came from Peyton Creek Church. Peyton Creek was organized by Bro. John Wiseman in 1812, who came from Round Lick Church. Round Lick was organized by Bro. Cantrell Bethel in 1803, who came from Brush Creek Church. Brush Creek Church was organized by Bro. John Hightower in 1802, who came from Old Union Church in Warren County, Kentucky.
Old Union was organized by Bro. Alexander Devine in 1795, who came from the Welch Necks Church in South Carolina, which was an offspring of the Welch Tract Church. The Welch Tract was organized in 1701 by Bro. Thomas Griffeth, and it was a member of the Philadelphia Association from Hill Cliff Church in Wales, England. Bro. E.H. Roller came to the Philadelphia Association. Hill Cliff Church was organized by Bro. Aaron Arlington in 987, and he came from Lima Pedmont. Lima Pedmont Church was organized by Bro. Balcolao in 812, and Balcolao came from the Church at Timto in Asia Minor. Timto Church was organized by Archer Flavor in 738, and he came from Dorethla Church, which was organized by Adromicus in 671. Adromicus came from Pontefassa at the foot of the Alps in France. Pontefessa Church was organized by Tellestman from Turan, Italy, in 398. Turan Church was organized by Tertullian from Bing Loy, Africa, in 237. Tertullian was a member of the Partus Church at the foot of the Tiber, which was organized by Polycarp in 150. Polycarp was baptized by John the Beloved, and John the Beloved was baptized by John the Baptist and was with Jesus Christ on the Mount. (Mark 3:13-14; Luke 6:12-13) |