From 1871 To Today: Baptist Center Church Celebrates 155 Years

CLAYTON, N.C. – A Johnston County church whose history dates to meetings held more than a century and a half ago will celebrate 155 years of worship and ministry this month.

Baptist Center Church will hold its 155th Anniversary and Homecoming Celebration at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2163 Ranch Road in Clayton.

The Homecoming will be followed by three nights of Spiritual Enrichment Services, beginning Monday, Oct. 12 and continuing through Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Current and former members, neighbors, friends and guests are invited to attend the services and join the congregation in remembering its past while celebrating the ministry that continues today.

Pastor Ray Carr will preach during the Oct. 11 Homecoming service. Saeed Bowman, a guest musician from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will provide music on the steel pan.

A luncheon will be held in the church Fellowship Hall following the service.

Spiritual Enrichment Services will begin at 7 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Colin Whitney, Discipleship Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville, will preach, and Bowman will provide music during each service.

A Church Born Between Four Congregations

The history of Baptist Center Church dates to July 28-30, 1871, when meetings were held to establish a new church in the center of four existing congregations — Shiloh, Mount Moriah, Bethesda and Johnston Liberty.

Johnston Liberty later became First Baptist Church of Clayton.

The central location among the four churches gave Baptist Center Church its name.

On Aug. 1, 1871, J.H. and Sarah Duncan granted land to the church’s trustees. The first Baptist Center Church building opened for worship that September.

As the congregation grew, the original structure was removed in 1916 to make way for a larger church.

World War I delayed construction, but the new building was completed in 1921. The sanctuary and four Sunday School rooms could accommodate about 200 people.

The building was valued at $3,000, with much of the labor and building materials donated by church members and friends.

While the new church was being constructed, members worshiped in the Baptist Center Schoolhouse.

Fire Destroys Church

One of the darkest days in the congregation’s history came Dec. 4, 1943, when fire destroyed the church building.

Members soon began the work of rebuilding.

A cornerstone for another church was laid in June 1944, and by the fall of 1945, the new facility had been completed debt-free through contributions from church members and neighboring congregations.

Not everything from the previous church was lost.

Some pews damaged and scorched by the fire were salvaged and continued to be used until new pews were installed in 1949.

Over the decades that followed, generations of members continued improving and expanding the church campus.

A fellowship hall was completed in 1961. The sanctuary received a brick exterior that same year, followed by stained-glass windows in 1965.

A nursery was added in 1988, with classrooms and additional space added later to accommodate the church’s growing ministries.

Each project was made possible through members who contributed their time, money, labor and service so Baptist Center Church could continue its ministry to families in the Clayton area.

Pastor Serving Since 2012

Dr. Ray Carr has served as pastor since 2012 and is the second-longest-serving pastor in Baptist Center Church’s history.

Robert Brooks holds the distinction of being the church’s longest-serving pastor, having served for 24 years.

“It is an honor and a blessing to serve as pastor at BCC,” Carr said. “My goal as pastor is to lead our members to know God’s character so we can trust His Word and live gospel-centered lives that point others to Jesus.”

Carr said Baptist Center strives to be a church “led by the Holy Spirit, fueled by prayer, and grounded in the Word” so its members can love Jesus, serve Jesus and share Jesus with those around them.

He said the congregation wants to be known for its dependence on the Holy Spirit, prayer and expository preaching.

The church is also working to prepare members for future ministry.

Five members are currently studying at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Judson College at Southeastern.

Baptist Center Church has licensed four members who now serve as pastors and missionaries. During the 155th anniversary service, the church plans to license Jeff Garner and Mike Stephens to the Gospel Ministry.

“Supporting missions remains one of our top priorities,” Carr said. “We remain committed to faithfully giving, praying and partnering with those who are taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to our community, our nation and around the world.”

Generations Call Baptist Center Home

Homecoming will provide longtime members an opportunity to remember the people who served before them while allowing newer members and visitors to learn how the church’s history continues to influence its ministry today.

One longtime member, Ginny, has been part of Baptist Center Church since her family moved to Clayton more than six decades ago.

“I have been attending Baptist Center Church since our family moved to Clayton in 1963. The church was very welcoming to us then and is still welcoming to everyone today,” Ginny said. “I am grateful to the many teachers and friends over the years that have influenced me as I try to live the Christian life.”

Phyllis has an even longer connection to the congregation.

“Since 1951, I’ve been a member of the ‘family of God’ at Baptist Center Church,” Phyllis said. “Through many changes, there has always been that ‘sweet, sweet spirit’ of working together for the ‘glory of God.’”

Newer members are now adding their own chapters to the church’s history.

“As a newer member of BCC, I’ve found my church home,” Bret said. “The church follows the Bible and teaches God’s Word. Everyone welcomed me with open arms, and since becoming a member, I’ve found opportunities to serve King Jesus in ways I never thought possible like helping the missions committee and local missions.”

Baptist Center Church’s 155th Anniversary and Homecoming Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2163 Ranch Road, Clayton.

The Spiritual Enrichment Services will follow at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12 through Wednesday, Oct. 14.

All are welcome.

For additional information, call 919-553-3119 or visit www.baptistcenterchurch.org