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Church Clerk and she held the office for one year, to be replaced by W. W. Stockstill. In 1938, the treasurer was authorized to mail quarterly statements to all members who subscribed to or pledged to the budget. In 1939, the church applied to the City of Bay St. Louis for natural gas to be installed. In 1939, the Retirement Plan for Pastors received a unanimous vote of approval, with 3 percent of the Pastor's salary sent to State Convention Board. In 1940, fifty- two enrolled in Daily Vacation Bible School.
In 1941, a committee was appointed to consider buying a lot for a new church site and starting a building program. The committee consisted of W. W. Stockstill, Dr. W. S. Speer, and Dr. B. L. Ramsey.
In 1942, Dr. A. P. Smith was appointed Church Treasurer. In 1943, the building lot committee was authorized to purchase the Engman Lot on the south side of Main Street for a price not to exceed $650 plus taxes for year 1943. It was Lot #39 of 2nd Ward of City of Bay St. Louis. The lot the church purchased is presently the Carmichael Real Estate Building. W. W. Stockstill was refunded $1.10 for U. S. Revenue Stamps for Deed to the lot and $1.00 for having electric fans for the summer months. The State Board agreed to pay half of $257.43, which was the cost of painting the exterior of the church. The pastor's salary this year was $600; tThe Cooperative Program received $60; the fuel, lights, and janitor were $60; and the total budget was $900. The treasurer reported a balance of $1,020.18 in the bank in January 1944.
The deacons were authorized to have a sign placed on the new church lot on Main Street containing in substance the following information: "Future Home of the First Baptist Church present location on Esterbrook Street at Second Street. Services 1st & 3rd Sundays in each month. Services held at 11:00 A.M. and usual Evening Hours." Miss May Edwards was appointed as a committee of one to get prices and sizes on American and Christian flags. It was voted that a minimum of $10,000 be set for the new church building. October 15, 1944, was a momentous day in the history of our church. Dr. and Mrs. T. B. Sellers came into our church with promise of letter from St. Charles Avenue Church of New Orleans, Louisiana. During this year $22.09 was contributed to the Baptist