This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

1955, it was sold to the Russell Elliots, who presently own the home. On May
12,1955,	the parsonage at 106 Bay View Court was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. B. D. Hogue for $12, 250. This is recorded in Book K-2, Page 285, Book of Deed Records. The Batsons were the first to occupy the new parsonage.
In 1956, Rev. Batson left our church to go to Alexandria, Louisiana. He was succeeded by Rev. Bill Baria, who remained with us for 1 year. While he was with us, the plans for the new educational building were presented. In order to do this, $50,000 was required. It was to be a two-story building able to accommodate 300 people. Sidney Ball, Homer Gregory, Jack Bryan, Dan Russell, Russell Chapman, Alfred Cospelich, Wilson Webre, James Fillingame, and Dr. T. B. Sellers were placed on the Building Committee. During this year, Dr. A. P. Smith was honored by the church for his 50 years of service in the field of medicine.
At this time, dissension arose in the membership over the visiting policy of the minister, and he was asked to resign by the Board of Deacons. The resignation letter stated that the request was on the basis of two facts concerning his ministry: "First, Evangelism, being my first emphasis. Second, Frankness being my nature." There was some discussion about accepting the letter as worded, but finally it was. This dissension took its toll in church attendance as those who defended Brother Baria just dropped out. Many remained out of attendance, but the church retained its stability and avoided a split.
The next year, 1959, J. A. Fillingame was appointed as Church Clerk. Dr. Ramsey presented the Brotherhood's plans for an R.A. Building behind the church. The pastor's salary was increased from $3,900 to $4,500 a year with auto expense and parsonage to remain as they were. Rev. George Abrams was our Interim Pastor until Bro. Franklin Atkinson came in December 1959.
It was recommended that the church participate in a Simultaneous Revival Crusade with other churches in the association. The church gave permission to borrow $1,500 for 1 year at 5% interest from Hancock Bank to finish the Youth Activity Building in the rear of the church where the church office is located now. One hundred-thirteen attended Vacation Bible School that year. Bro. Bob
14