A look at our heritage...
The Ashland City Free Will Baptist Church was organized by Rev. J.L. Welch and 23 members on December, 1924. All of the members came from other Free Will Baptist churches, but lived in Ashland City and had to travel to other areas for worship. They saw a need for a Free Will Baptist church in the city and set out to make it a reality. Some were Martha Hudgens, Mary Patton, Georgeann Patton, Annie Mai Patton Nicholson, Willie Patton Brinkley, Mrs. Herman Christian, Grace Hudgens Davis, and other ladies who would be called the Ladies Aid. By their hard work, money was raised and property purchased on Elm & Harris (Main) Streets upon which a small building was built. This modest building was heated with a pot-bellied stove, and had no bathrooms inside. Services were held only a couple times each month. Rev. J.E. Hudgens was called as the first Pastor of the new church.
By 1946, the church was too small for its purposes. Around 1948, the old building was torn down and a new one begun. Worship was carried on here until 1966, when remodeling took place. At that time, the front of the church was moved to Elm Street, and the present building was established. Soon after this, the steeple was donated by the VanHooks. The Poole children donated the steeple chimes. Worship continued until 1988 when the church decided to build a new fellowship hall which would be funded by a daycare facility. Through the giving and support of gracious people, the building was built in 1989. Child care soon began with David Simpson serving as the first director.
The church has weathered many storms over the years. Many blessings have been shared. The city continues to be served as the church seeks ways to present Christ to society. May God continue to bless and keep the people who make up Ashland City Free Will Baptist Church.
By 1946, the church was too small for its purposes. Around 1948, the old building was torn down and a new one begun. Worship was carried on here until 1966, when remodeling took place. At that time, the front of the church was moved to Elm Street, and the present building was established. Soon after this, the steeple was donated by the VanHooks. The Poole children donated the steeple chimes. Worship continued until 1988 when the church decided to build a new fellowship hall which would be funded by a daycare facility. Through the giving and support of gracious people, the building was built in 1989. Child care soon began with David Simpson serving as the first director.
The church has weathered many storms over the years. Many blessings have been shared. The city continues to be served as the church seeks ways to present Christ to society. May God continue to bless and keep the people who make up Ashland City Free Will Baptist Church.