Cheryl Owens / The Meridian StarLiberty Baptist Church located at 1968 Liberty Church Road in Newton County.

On Oct. 4, 1900, a presbytery convened at “Fairplay” schoolhouse, to organize a church. Rev. N.L. Clark preached the organizational sermon with the scripture taken from Ephesians 3:21 – “Unto Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, without end. Amen.”

A new church was formed upon “The Articles of Faith and The Rule of Decorum” as held by the Mount Pisgah Association. Thirty-six people presented themselves for membership in the newly organized church. It was voted to name the church “Liberty.” The church known as Liberty Baptist Church joined the Newton Baptist Association in 1921.

Three acres of land were donated in 1902. Construction began on a single white framed building with a large auditorium and was completed in 1904. In 1955 that church was torn down and a more modern and spacious building was constructed. In 1975 after many years of using a local pond for baptism, a baptistery was completed.

Throughout Liberty Baptist Church’s history, many mission organizations have been formed. The WMU was formed in 1931 and to this date is still working to help provide mission needs within the community. In 2013 the church formed a mission team that builds handicap ramps and does small construction jobs for those in need.

Many generations have come through this church and a lot of things have changed since 1900. However, our focus is the same. This small country church with a mighty spirit was built to serve the Lord through the community. Through God’s Holy Spirit we are united together for the purpose of changing lives. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.

About the church:

Name: Liberty Baptist Church.

Pastor: Rev. Mark McDonald – Since 2013.

Former Pastors: James Chapman, E.A. Phillips, J.M. Sikes, John D. Purvis, J.W. Green, L.A. Roebuck, Dr. John Carter, Bob Allen, J.D. Allen, E.H. Sizemore, T. L. Everett, J.B. Costilow, Joey Lang, and Hal Ethridge.

Denomination: Southern Baptist.

Founded: 1900.

Members: 38 active members.

Contact Info: Bro. Mark McDonald, pastor 601-635-2835; Martha Sibley, clerk at 601-683-2234 or Joe Kennedy, treasurer at 601-683-6671.

Service Times:

Sunday – Sunday School at 10 a.m., Worship Service at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting/Bible Study at 5 p.m.

Special upcoming events:

“Time of Thanksgiving” – Sunday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. Meal after service. “Everyday in the Lord’s house is a special day.”

Worship site profile is published Saturdays in The Meridian Star. Recommend your site to cowens@themeridianstar.com.