An important ministry supported by your contributions to the regular budget celebrated its 80th anniversary as 2024 came to an end. Which ministry, you may ask? It is the FBC Church Library.
Thanks to the concerted efforts of two of the church’s senior members, Miss Rossie Bell Newton and John H. Cheatham, Sr., the church library was begun in November 1944. Mrs. Sara McDowell Joiner (Mrs. W.L. Joiner, Jr.) became the first librarian of the church library. At the time the library was started, it was the custom of the Southern Baptist Library Board to give new church libraries $100 worth of new books. With these books and the gifts of books from church members, the library began operations with a total of 119 books. These first volumes were assembled by Mrs. Joiner into a libraryformat; she was later assisted by Mrs. Ruby H. Blake (Mrs. Arthur C. Blake) who served as chief librarian for the church library for many years.
Time has gone by and the collection has grown to over 13,000 volumes, necessitating a tireless group of volunteers—over the years—to maintain this library, which serves as a resource not only for church members, but also for church staff and our community at large. Thanks to the dedication of members who want to preserve our church history, our library has also taken on the role of an archive. We have, for example, had individuals contact our church in search of information on past members as they research their own family histories. In such cases, we have been able to consult church records and offer assistance in their research.
Books wear out over the years of use; some, unfortunately, may be lost or damaged. Some can be repaired; some cannot and may have to be replaced. There are magazine subscriptions to be paid and library supplies to be purchased for book repair and other maintenance. Our church library has developed into a fine library, but not without the countless hours of work contributed by volunteers and the countless donations of books and money from library supporters.
When you are making a decision about how to give in support of your church, we hope you will remember that your contribution to the regular budget supports our work in the church library, in addition to many other valuable ministries across the church.
Article credit: Evans Millican, Library Team Leader
This article was prepared as the January 2025 installment in the Giving in Action series. If you would like to read more stories like this, please visit that page: Your Giving in Action.