History of Gibson Avenue Baptist Church.
Gibson Avenue Baptist Church was organized as a mission of First Baptist Church in 1906 as Delgado Women's Missionary Society from 1906 to 1907. Gibson Avenue was constituted and organized as a church in 1910. Congregation at Delgado was presented and passed June 10, 1907 and the building committee appointed for Delgado June 12, 1912.
On July 12 1915, Deacons recommended that Delgado be allowed to have their own treasurer, pay their bills and any surplus to Gibson Avenue. The original wood church was built 1912-1913, facing Gibson Avenue. Spofford Mills, Inc. deeded the property to the trustees of Gibson Avenue on September 12, 1947 with the stipulation that it would be used as a Baptist Church under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, for religious purposes and that in the event that it was no longer used as stated, the property would immediately revert to and become the sole property of Spofford Mills, Inc.
The parsonage property at 2118 Gibson Avenue was conveyed to the church by Elisha J. Warren on February 23, 1945. The current church was built in early 1962. The current fellowship hall was dedicated by Pastor Joey Harrell on June 28, 1987. Present site of the parsonage at 2112 Gibson Avenue was purchased from the City of Wilmington in 1969-1970 and the house was built. Steeple was added in 1988. The stained glass over the front doors was donated by Leia Garrett in the early 1980's - she was a very dedicated member who passed away in 1988.
From 1919 to the present (2006) we have had a total of 25 pastors. Until July 28,2004 when she passed away. Marie Clemons had been a member for the longest, having been baptized in 1932 by Pastor W.C. Wescott. At the present time (August 2006) Johnnie Taylor, baptized June 1935 and Frank McDaniel, baptized in 1936 and Joyce Kathleen Barefoot, baptized 1939 are our members for the longest period of time.
Johnnie Taylor is the oldest member, 98 years as of September 10th 2009. The following previous members became pastors: Rev. Harry Lackey baptized November 1936, is now retired. Rev. V.C. Potter baptized 1952, is pastor of Town Creek Baptist Church in Winnabow. Rev. Tom Canady baptized November 1966 is a missionary, now retired. Rev. Billy Fowler is pastor of Castle Hayne Baptist Church.
Stop back often as pictures from the past to present will be added soon.
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Gibson Avenue Baptist Church, Wilmington NC.
