10/13/2013
Bayview Baptist Church, org Feb 1938... This is a full page article that was in the newspaper on the church's 50th anniversary in 1988! We had a big blowout...had a "50th Golden Anniversary" service in the morning worship service on first Sunday in August 1988, among some of the special guests. were about 35 of the church's Charter members! Of them, One of those charter members was, according to the church records, the very first member, Mr. W. J. McCrary, who came and made a few comments and had prayer at the beginning of service. What a blessing to have so many of the people who organized the church together for maybe the first time since, and hear their stories. We had a wonderful "Homecoming" meal, as usual, in the fellowship hall...and afterwards a very special singing. Pastor Jack Legrand of Glen Iris Baptist Church, WGIB FM92, and W49AY TV, and his wife Doris were there and had our opening prayer. Jeff led the Choir in several songs, and since nostalgia seemed to be in order, Jeff had the original Chuckwagon Gang to do the special afternoon singing...and what a blessing it was! Many people were amazed that a group that famous was actually there at Bayview Baptist Church!
In 2013, Bayview Baptist Church turned 75 years old. None of the original members are now alive.....Bro Charles Click and Jeff Jones are not there now, and there's a completely different congregation! This year, the Homecoming service on the first Sunday in August, should have been celebrating their 75th anniversary, and there was no special celebration or service...Evidently, none of those who attend the church now even knows its such a special year! There were those who always took a special interest in the church, it's history, and old stories about things that happened through the year. According to church records, W. J. McCrary, Sr.....W J McCrary Jr's grandfather, was the very first pastor of Bayview Baptist Church. He was also the very first pastor of Gardendale First Baptist Church....the church on I-65 north of Birmingham with the 100 foot high cross....Some of the history is in this newspaper article....
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