About us
Garland First Baptist Missionary Church, presently located at 227 East 4th Street, Garland, NC under the direction of the Holy Spirit was started in the year of 1925 by a group of humble and faithful servants to come together in worship and fellowship. The first meeting of these servants occurred under a bush shelter, near the old saw Mill in the area of the present 411 highway. After moving closer into town, the group was organized as a church. On November 10, 1928, the church building was constructed on its present sight. The original founders are listed as Charlie H. Spell and Johnnie Cooper with Rev. T.T. Williams as its first pastor. Some of the early founding families of Garland First Baptist include, the Boone’s, Bronson’s, Carters, Crenshaw’s, DeVane’s, Nance’s, Smith’s, Herring’s, Lamb’s, Manuel’s, Melvin’s and Newkirk’s.
The founding years of Garland First Baptist were ones of happiness, joy, and love and sometimes disappointments. But with faith and God the Garland Church family persevered and moved forward as Christian soldiers on the battlefield for the Lord, even though the homegoing of several members and the relocation of other church members. Rev. Dr. Samuel McDonald faithfully served the Garland church family for 37 years during which time recognizing the need for improvements and growth within the church family Dr. McDonald and many of the members of Garland First Baptist worked tirelessly to establish a building fund with the goal of renovation of the church sanctuary and/or fellowship hall.
Under the leadership of Dr. McDonald the following goals were met: a pastor’s Study, kitchen, classrooms, new pews, stained glass windows, carpet and new Brick were added. Much of the work in renovation of the church was done by Deacon Fred Powel under the auspices of Powell Construction Company. It was through Deacon Powel that Garland First Baptist was able to purchase what was once the Garland Colored School which became the church fellowship hall. A church bus was purchased in 1980 and in 1992 a church van was added.
After the resignation of Dr. McDonald and the eventual calling of Dr. Louis W. Hackett, the Garland church family began the long awaited renovation of the sanctuary, which included a new baptismal pool, new carpeting and pews. Painting and other interior changes were accomplished. Wanting to make sure the Garland church family was vested in the changes made to the church, Dr. Hackett challenged the members to sponsor the giving of a pew(s), choir chairs and other furnishings or equipment to the church. The response to this request was met with an overwhelming response with sponsorships/donations being made in honor or memory of someone. This allowed the church to continue renovations without going into debt.
It was under the leadership of Dr. Hackett that the church was led in opening the doors of the church for worship on every Sunday, not just the 1st, 3rd, and 5th. It is Dr. Hackett’s belief that God’s doors should always be open. Later the church family renovated the fellowship and purchased new tables and chairs once again with church members purchasing or sponsoring tables and chairs in honor or memory of someone. Believing, teaching, and preaching the scriptures, it has always been Dr. Hackett’s belief that God’s house should never be neglected and its appearance should always reflect the blessings, grace and mercy God has bestowed upon His people. 2 Samuel 7: 1-29. Growing in faith and love while walking hand in hand with God, Garland First Baptist gives all praise and glory to Him for the 85 years of our being here in this place.
Many have entered through the doors of Garland First Baptist and have enriched it as God’s house. It is to those living and deceased that we give honor and praise.
