First Baptist dedicates Family Life Center

First Baptist Church members exit the new Family Life Center following its dedication service on Oct. 7.

Donning his tool belt, Pastor Michael Jeter officially dedicated the new Family Life Center at First Baptist Church in Troup on Sunday, Oct. 7.

"This building is a tool -- that's all it is," said Jeter. "It's a tool to better help us serve the Lord."

"This will be the first of many, many fellowships in this building," he told a large crowd of church members and guests gathered for the dedication.

Looking around at the remains of a huge covered-dish luncheon, he smiled and added, "If something breaks, we can fix it. If we make a mess, we can clean it up. Anything that can be made can be remade."

The project began with a ground breaking in September of last year. The new building has a gym, several classrooms, a new kitchen and a fellowship hall.

The Family Life Center will be the new site of the church's Fifth Quarter gatherings, and the gym facilities will be used for a variety of sports leagues forming for all ages.

First Baptist Church members entertain at the dedication of the Family Life Center building.

Completion of the Family Life Center was the second phase of a multiphase expansion program which began with the church's move from its location on Bradford Street to its current 22,000 sq. ft. facility on Highway 135 in 2002.

First Baptist Church of Troup was organized in 1869 with services in the old Bell log schoolhouse. After the railroad was built and the townsite of "Zavalla" was laid out, the church moved into town onto a lot donated by the railroad and met under an arbor until a frame building could be erected. This building was used until 1911 when the sanctuary on Bradford Street was built.

The building was remodeled several times, including the addition of a heating system in 1917, air conditioning in 1954 and a baptistry in 1937.

Parsonages and educational buildings were added and upgraded over the years.

The first Sunday School service was organized in 1889, and the church now offers 22 Sunday School departments to choose from.

Spacious gym facilities are perfect for fellowship dinners.

Worship services are 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, and the church also meets at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of the month at Westwood Rehabilitation Center.