The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-01-27
Baptists Leave Old and
 Historic Structure.
DR cHAs. A. STAKELY'ss SKETCH
His Address Eulogized Those of
 Strong Faith.
spiendid Story Told or The Upward Advance Of Montgomery Bap- lists Throush All The
 Years.

Yesterday was the last day on which the old historic building of the First Baptist Church on North Court Street will be used as a place of worship by a Baptist congregation. The day was accordingly marked with fitting ceremonies. It was at, the morning service that the farewell sermon was preached. but the congregation assem- bled for the last time in the old build ing at the night services.
 There was no sermon at the morn ing gathering. The address of Dr. Stakely was none the less interesting because it was an historical sketch of the founding of the Baptist Church in the city, its early struggle and It's final triumph in the new edifice to be used for the first time on next Sun
 inc % pastor. pr. Charles A. stakeiy, while giving an historical talk did not go into too minute details, and his whole talk was filled with the trf- umph of the convictions of men and women who had worked with untir- ing energy toward a certain goal about to be accomplished.
 Baptists of the city, realizing that they would for the last time assemble together in the auditorium Of the church which had housed some of them for more than fifty years, flocked in increasing numbers to the old build tngs unfii there was room for no more. The main auditorium and the sur rounding gallery was well packed, and the people joined in the services with heartfelt praise.
 After the regular services had been completed up to the sermon, pr. Stake- ly, in lieu of the sermon, began his historical sketch which lasted more than an hour. The large congregation did not let its attention wander. but listened to the wonders which faith had accomplished for their cause.
 ! Dr. Stakeiy touched upon the long and honorable history of the Baptists in Montgomery, using many names and dates which stood out as more bril- liant than others and as epoch markers in the Baptist faith. Not that the Ies- ser stars were overlooked. but time did not permit mention of every one of the many number who have worked braveIy and well against seemingly ansurmountabie ods. &
 The Baptist Church of Montgomery, was organized on November 20. 1929. with 8 membership of four. Rev. Lee Compers and Rev. Field Bradshaw were the organizing forces. The church was re-organized in 1882 and it might truly be said that thei real Baptist Church of the city commenced from that date.
 A small frame building situated on the site of the present old church was the first church building of the Baptista, and was built in 1882. This frame building proved to be entirely too small in very short while. and the brick structure which is 10 be abandoned today was erected at cost of s25.Q0O.
 The present. brick structure has finally proved too small. with the re- suit that the members of the First Baptist Church purchased the lot on Perry Street between Scott and Ala barna, and started work on handsome stone edifice The corner stone of this building was laid on June 30, 1905. and the process of erecting the build ing has been steadily progressingl since that time.
 The new building on Perry Street has not as yet been completed, but large lecture room will be entirely finished by next Sunday. It is in this room that future services of the First Baptist Church will be held. The main auditorium of the new, church is being completed as fast as practicable, ond it is hoped by the members of the church that the whole work on the building will be completed by the be- ginning of winter.
 s b'sa~ Doctors WfGff rs0ne