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members had Ixxrn received ny bapt.inn and 125 mimliers by letter during the previous six years. A love offering of $500.00 wa.s laid on I h< > altar i<> ivl iiv the debts of the year.
On January 8, 1950 at 2:30 P. M. a Dedication service was held. Reverend Joe
T. Odle gave the dedication sermon. E. R. Anderson gave the Opening Prayer.
Scripture was read by Dr. T. B. Sellers. Dr. A. P. Smith, A. E. Middleton, A. II.
Gregory, and Reverend John Dearing held and burned the bond that represented the
entire debt of the church. The first Baptist Church of Bay St. Louis now held
services in a $40,000.00 debt free church. Brother Dearing's last Sunday as Pastor
was January 15, 1950, he had resigned to go to Handsboro Church. During the morning
service, John G. Woods was ordained as a deacon. At the evening service Thomas Hill
was baptized. Quote from the minutes, "Thus the last two services of our beloved
pastor were filled with joy and thanksgiving to God." With the debt retired on the
church building a corrmittee was appointed and instructed to find a house for the
pastor. It was voted by the church to purchase the home of Henry and Irene Colson at
336 Carroll Avenue for the syim of $7,500.00.
On March 1, 1950 Rev. Robert L. Lee preached his first sermon at. our church.
During the three years that he served as pastor, evangelian and increased enrollment
were stressed.	M. J. Necaise served as Chruch Clerk. Membership reported on January
31st, 1950, was 225 with 39 non-resident. Construction of a partition in the nursery
was made. The church sponsored a BoyScout Troop with James Ei11 ingame as Leader. W. C.
Dudley was our Music Director. Dr. Bannister donated the azalea plants for the church
grounds. On September 30, 1951 Stanley A File was licensed as a minister of the Gospel
at a short business meeting following the regular morning service.
On the Back of the church's Greeting Card was published the year's accomplishments,
entitled "Memoirs of 1950". They were listed in order of the months.
January:	Church Building Dedicated
January:	Pastor John '1'. Dearing Resigns
March:	Robert L. Let? called as pastor
April:	Pastor's Home? Purchased
September: Largest Attendance in Sunday School - 119
November:	W. C. Dudley called as Music Director
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