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Southern Baptist roots go all the way back to the Reformation in England in the sixteenth century. Various dissenters called for purification of the church and a return to the New Testament Christian example. These dissenters also called for strict accountability in their covenant with God. One of the prominent dissenters who arose in the seventeenth century was John Smyth. Smyth was a strong proponent of adult baptism and 1609 went as far as to rebaptize himself and others. Smyth's action was a sign of the first English Baptist church. By 1644, due to the efforts of Thomas Helwys and Smyth, there were 50 Baptist churches. Some Baptists were General Baptists because they believed people choose to be saved and they saw atonement, as general not just limited. Others were referred to as Particular Baptists because they thought redemption was limited to a chosen few. Both groups strengthened the Baptist movement in England.
As the English Baptists struggled with recognition, some began to come to America. They came to America, like other counterparts, to escape religious persecution in England. By the mid eighteenth century Baptist numbers grew even more due to the Great Awakening pioneered by Jonathan Edwards. By 1790, Baptists had began to organize and expand. At this time Baptists organized missionary societies to spread the Christian lifestyle to others. It was these mission societies that led to other organizational structures that would eventually define and make a denomination of Baptists. By 1830’s tension began to mount between the Northern and Southern Baptists that corresponded with the rift that was growing between northern and southern culture in America. In 1844 these issues came to a peak and the Home Mission Society separated into northern and southern divisions. As a result of this the Baptists in the south met in May of 1845 and organized the Southern Baptist Convention.
The first annual convention of the Southern Baptists was held in 1845. In this convention the International Mission Board and the North American Mission Board were established. The purpose of each board is still "the propagation of the gospel," with one board focusing on national issues and the other on foreign issues.
After Reconstruction of the South the Southern Baptists began to thrive, and from Reconstruction to the end of World War I, Southern Baptists had gone from a bunch of unorganized and scattered churches with little in common into a denomination of an even larger number of churches and people sharing both culture and program, and training and mission. By the twentieth century Southern Baptists were a cultural establishment influencing many people all over the country and world.
MT. PISGAH BAPTIST CHURCH, CROPWELL
In 1840 twelve people met on Camp Creek to build a church. Jane Mahaley Jackson donated the land. It was a simple log building, with only shutters and doors of wood made logs.
Their plans were simple; a place to meet to worship, and a way to share with the children of the community as a one teacher school.
In 1844 the church was moved to a site up the road a piece and another log church was built. The land, materials and labor were donated by the people of the area.
Among the early settlers of this valley were names like Blakely, Lee, Smith, Turner, Mundine, Goss,Watson, Wadsworth, Ingram, Harmon, Dycus, Williams, Roe, Masters, Willis, and Hardy.
This was truly the gatheriing place for many, many people. During the summer revivals, relatives and friends would visit (sometimes the whole week) with those who lived near the church.
The first records of 1898 were found and there were 212 members on roll. The first pastor that we have a record of is: Rev. Paul Castleberry.
In 1924 a larger frame church was built as more and more people were moving in the valley and were coming to Mt. Pisgah Church.
In 1926 a Bell Tower was added. Sunday School rooms and from time to time additions were made including a new sanctuary in 1967.
From twelve people who met in 1840, God continued to bless their efforts until now 150 years later. Mt. Pisgah has a membership of over 950 people. We met on October 7,1990, to praise God for His presence in this community and for all those who have come to know Christ through the efforts of Mt. Pisgah.
A new sanctuary was started near the end of the year 2004, and our first service was held October 7, 2006 with an attendance of over 400 and final completion with the outside and grounds, scheduled to be completed in 2008. The church was completely paid for at completion.
The church will be totally finished in June 2008 with the placement of the Steeple and paving of the parking lot, as well as plants and landscaping completed.
We are thankful to God for the new sanctuary and many events continue to be held there. Certainly God has Blessed us..
