Flat Rock Baptist celebrating 125 years

As the end of the century neared — the 19th century — 14 men from around the region came together for one purpose, to organize a new church to serve the Flat Rock area.

The men, according to the church, were from neighboring Baptist churches, coming together “under the leadership of the Holy Spirit” to form the new church, known simply as The Rock on Jan. 15, 1899. Less than a month later, the church had its first pastor — Rev. J.H. Powers — who was installed on Feb. 11, 1899.

“Very soon, these individuals with their families began their work in the Flat Rock community to show God’s love, and this has continued for more than a century. Generations of local citizens have continued that vision and happily come together to worship, fellowship and serve their neighbors and friends,” they said.

The church, Flat Rock Baptist Church, worked hard to serve the community during difficulties and changes.

“During those years, there were several pastors, since, like most small rural congregations, Flat Rock Baptist Church was not able to afford a regular much less full-time pastor. One record from the 1930s speaks to the deacons agreeing to pay the pastor $30 per month,” one member said of the church’s history.

The church’s current pastor is Rev. Rusty Reed, who has served in that capacity since 2017.

The church is planning a time of celebration and remembrance to mark those first 125 years, with a service and other actitivites on Jun 1 at 6:30 p.m.

“The anniversary committee is planning a fun evening of remembrances,” the church said of the upcoming event. “Speakers and musicians from the past and present will entertain those attending with the church’s history as well as some of the humorous and heartwarming occurrences reflecting our history of church life together.

“There will be tables displaying artifacts and paperwork from the past of the church and the committee is inviting any previous members with mementoes they may have, to make them available for display on that evening. If you think you have anything you would like to share, please call the church at 336-786-7661 and leave a message. We will try to reach out and make arrangements to add your items to the display.”

After the formal program, “Old Timey Refreshments” will be provided in the Fellowship Hall, giving all attendees a chance to make new friends or to become re-acquainted with brothers and sisters from years gone by.

The church is located at 1313 E. Pine St. in Mount Airy, and the anniversary committee said all members of the public, not just former church members, are invited to attend.