Barnes Hill Original Freewill Baptist Church

Church History
1880-Present

The first service of Barnes Hill Free Will Baptist Church was held at Langley's Cross Roads, under the shelter of a cotton gin house. Elder Davis was the first preacher to hold services. Barnes Hill Free Will Baptist Church was organized in 1880, with seven charter members. Bill and Morning Lee, Jim and Bettie Barnes, Stephen and Sadie Vandiford and Joel Taylor.

In 1881, Jim Barnes gave the church a plot of land, and the church was erected, one long building, in 1883, and given the name, Barnes Hill Free Will Baptist Church, in honor of the gift of the land.

1916, there were not any services for three months, this was during World War I, Barnes Hill had Sunday School only during the summer months. In 1920, Sunday School was held each Sunday.

1929, the lot that the church was built on was deeded to Barnes Hill Free Will Baptist Church as long as the church remained in the Free Will Baptist denomination.

1934, kerosene lamps were replaced with electric lights and in 1945, a cemetery was formed on the church grounds.

In 1953, four Sunday School classrooms were added and as the senior class grew, the classroom was enlarged and later added another room.

In 1955, remodeling of the church was started to include a sanctuary. Most of the work was done by members of the church along with new windows and pews were built by lumber donated by Charlie Barnes. The Reverend Charlie Rice was Pastor of Barnes Hill FWB Church at that time.

1958, through the leadership of Mrs. Paul Lee, the Women's Auxiliary, Young Folks Auxiliary and Ambassadors for Christ Auxiliary was organized. Carpet donated by the YFA's and AFC's and installed down the aisle of the church.

1972, full time services was begun.

1973, a remodeling program was initiated. Gas heaters was replaced by central heat and air conditioning. The out side of the church was bricked, a choir loft was added along with padded pews and carpeting for the entire sanctuary. On Dec. 2, 1973, the remodeling was completed was dedicated for worship and service of our Lord Jesus Christ. A steeple was donated and erected on our sanctuary and the young people raised enough money to purchase a new piano for the church.

1980, the Lord sent Reverend Robert Langley as pastor, and with his guidance, leadership, prayers and love for us, he lifted us up to God through prayer. As a result, the church started seeing God blessing through membership growth. A baptistery was installed.

1981, an organ was given to the church by an anonymous donor. The United States Flag, and Christian Flag was given to the church by the Woodmen of the World.

1983, a dedication ceremony was held for the Fellowship Hall.

1987, the nursery was enlarged.