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Church Treasurer. M. L. Hill became Clerk.
On November 7, 1947, the first services were held in the new church building. During this month it was voted by the church to accept W. A. McDonald's offer of $740 for the old church lot.
In 1948, the Lottie Moon church Offering was $42, and in 1949, it was $57. In 1949 efforts were made by the church to organize a church in Waveland and the purchase of a church bus was discussed. A revival was held in the Waveland Public School house led by a young Brother Anderson.
According to the minutes of December 25, 1949, 70 members had been received by baptism and 125 members by letter during the previous 6 years. A love offering of $500 was laid on the altar to retire 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. H. 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 $40,00 debt-free church.
Brother Dealing's last Sunday as Pastor was January 15, 1950. He had resigned to go to Handsboro Baptist Church. During the morning service, John G. Woods was ordained as a deacon. At the evening service Thomas Hill was baptized. A quote from the minutes stated, "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 committee 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 sum of $7,500.
On March 1, 1950 Rev. Robert L. Lee preached his first sermon at our church. During the one and one half years that he served as pastor, evangelism and increase enrollment were stressed. M. J. Necaise served as Church Clerk. Membership reported on January 31, 1950, was 225 with 39 non-residen members. Construction of a partition in the nursery was made. The church sponsored a Boy Scout Troop with James Fillingame as Leader. W. C. Dudley
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