Dave Bohrer / The Meridian StarBriarwood Baptist Church is located at 8733 Hillview Drive in northeast Meridian.

Briarwood Baptist Church, when founded in 1966, was known as Ponta Hills Independent Church. It wasn’t until 1968 that the church became known as Briarwood Baptist Church.

History 

Beginning in July of 1966 meetings were held in the home of A.L. McCarty, with the aim of increasing the power of Christianity in their community. During the meeting held on Dec. 14, 1966, a new church was formed and named; Ponta Hills Independent Church.

On April 12, 1967, the purchase of church property was discussed. On April 16, 1967, Mr. William McCarty was contacted concerning his property located on Hwy. 39 North. On May 7, W.J. Brett was authorized to contact a lawyer to handle our attempt to secure this property.

On May 24, 1967, in the home of A.L. McCarty, a meeting was held to discuss the aims of the church and for the reading of the constitution. Twenty-two people were present, including two children, who were interested in becoming church members. Members agreed to purchase their own folding chairs to use during church services. J.S. Brett was to serve as Sunday school superintendent and Mrs. John Cook as secretary.

May 28, 1967, was the date of the first church services held in the home of W.C. Ham, with 34 present. The service was conducted by Clifford J. Woodrick, who was hired to serve as temporary pastor.

On May 31, 1967, the church creed was adopted. Further business was transacted concerning the purchase of the church property. The present church property was purchased on June 28, 1967, from William McCarty.

The first revival service was held on Aug. 18, 19, 20. Bro. Woodrick served as an evangelist.

On July 11, 1967, a discussion was held concerning the replacement of Rev. Woodrick, who had requested a release from his duties to return to evangelistic work. Mr. Barfield was appointed to try to secure the services of Rev. T.J. Wood, if possible.

It was announced on Oct. 1, 1967, that Bro. Wood was to “help out” but the exact duration of this was not agreed upon.

The church agreed to sell 2.13 acres to W.B. Kinnison, leaving 2.74 acres for the church.

After one year the average attendance was approximately 34.

As of Nov. 24, 1968, the church property was debt free. A supper was held with the traditional note burning ceremonies in the presence of 42 people.

The first meeting was held June 29, 1969, to discuss uniting with the Baptist Church. The proposal was presented, after several months, to become Briarwood Baptist Church. The church voted on Oct. 19, 1969, and approved the proposal by a vote of 23 for and 0 against, with several abstaining. The new church was organized with 33 members. Bro. Wood donated the first Broadman Hymnals.

As a memorial to W.C. Ham, the church voted to purchase the present sign in front of the church.

As the building program for a new sanctuary developed, a building committee was chosen: H.B. McGuire (chairman), J.H. Cook, A.L. McCarty, Taylor Davis, Mrs. Bill Kinnison, and Mrs. Joel White.

The finance committee chosen were: W.J. Brett (Chairman), A.L. McCarty, and H.B. McGuire.

The first church meeting of Briarwood Baptist Church was held in the new sanctuary on Aug. 16, 1970, without pews. The new church furniture arrived the following week.

The first revival was held in the new sanctuary in Oct. 1970, with Dr, Bob Simmons preaching.

Since then the church has progressed steadily with a current membership of approximately 100. With the culmination of this service, marking the end of our indebtedness, we approach a new era with great anticipation, that with the blessings of the Lord and the help of all, we will soon begin our educational annex and continue to move forward.

There were 33 charter members when the church became a Baptist church.

The church was admitted to the Lauderdale County Baptist Association on Oct. 17, 1972.

Membership in the reporting was 97.

Pastors with the longest tenure were Thomas Wood, pastor emeritus; David Chambers; and Bro. Jamie Lamoreaux.

Church Name: Briarwood Baptist Church.

Pastor: Interim Pastor, Mike Russell.

Minister of Music: Blair Kemp.

Denomination: Southern Baptist.

Address: 8733 Hillview Drive, Meridian, MS 39305.

Contact Info: 601-681-6615 or Briarwood Baptist Church on Facebook.

Church Founded: In 1966 as Ponta Hills Independent Church – became Briarwood Baptist Church in 1969.

Service Times:

• Sunday – 9:45 a.m. Sunday School, 10:45 a.m. morning worship, 5 p.m. evening worship, small group studies (during the school year) 5:30 p.m.

• Wednesday – 6 p.m. Potluck fellowship supper, 6:30 p.m. Bible studies for adults and youth, 6:30 p.m. children’s music, ladies Bible study TBA.

Special upcoming events:

• Joint Vacation Bible School with Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church July 23-27 from 5:30-7:45 at ACUMC.

•Homecoming 3rd Sunday in Oct.

Annual events special to our church:

•Annual Mother’s and Father’s Day Breakfast.

• Easter Breakfast.

• Vacation Bible School.

• Homecoming 3rd Sunday in October.

• Fall Festival.

• Thanksgiving meal.

• Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.