Church History

 

Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church was organized as a result of cottage prayer meetings, August 1949, in the home of Daniel Rhoton, by Rev. Willie Vicars and Rev. B.N. Powers.  The church has had eight pastors:

 

Rev. B.N. Powers (1949 – 1952)
Rev. Jimmie Dykes (1952 – 1956)
Rev. Frank Thompson (1956 – 1959)
Rev. Winston Sweeney (1959 – 2003)
Rev. Jeff Davis (2003 – Nov. 4, 2012)
Rev. Bob Lewis (May 2013 – March 31, 2017)
Rev. Will Scrivner (April 1, 2017 – September 10, 2023)
Rev. Josh McKinney (February 1, 2024 – present)

 

The church began with the construction of a basement under the leadership of Rev. Powers. The auditorium was built under the ministry of Rev. Dykes. With the leadership of Rev. Thompson, thirty feet were added to the auditorium and property was purchased for additional parking. Rev. Sweeney lead the church to build a parsonage, educational building, and activities building. The Activities Building was named after Rev. Sweeney under the leadership of Rev. Jeff Davis. It is now known as The Pastor Winston Sweeney Activities Building.  Pastor Davis also led our church in remodeling projects for the sanctuary, our Sunday school rooms, and the Pastor Winston Sweeney Activities Building.  Pastor Bob Lewis led us in further remodeling of the children’s and nursery area and also in installing a computerized projection system.

 

After Pastor Lewis retired, he was succeeded by Pastor Will Scrivner, who served us faithfully and helped us navigate the difficult time during the Covid-19 pandemic.  In the summer of 2023, Pastor Scrivner surprised us by submitting his resignation, saying he felt God was leading in a different direction.  He continued to serve us until mid September and we wish him and his family all the best.  God had a plan and brought Rev. Josh McKinney, who had grown up in our church, back home to serve as pastor beginning in February, 2024.  We are looking forward to see what God will do for us under the leadership of Pastor McKinney.