Sunday, June 25, 2000
Sunday, June 25, 2000 |
The Lisbon Baptist Church began in a schoolhouse in the 1880s and the last names of those chartering it can still be found in the neighborhood: Jones, Travis, Adams and Kerlin. Lisbon was the name of the community they came from in Elbert County in the 1840s. As in the case of so many of Fayette County's churches today, it is in the process of acquiring four adjoining acres so it can expand. It is housing its 400 members in the sanctuary built in 1983 but space for parking is at a premium. The additional acreage will allow additional parking and a ballfield for the youth. In a few years thought will be given to additional educational space. About 16 church adults will be spending a week at a national leadership seminar in Ridge Crest, N.C. Heads of the various departments such as deacons, staff, teachers and Sunday School leaders will learn how to be better workers. The youth will be heading to Ormond Beach, Fla. for a week and will be deep into Bible studies and growing in the Lord. The Rev. Carlton Swicegood served Lisbon for 29-plus years and it was the only church he ever served. He retired almost a year ago. Currently serving is the Rev. Randall Harris. He was born in Zebulon, Ga. and reared in Griffin. He is a graduate of the North Georgia College with a degree in psychology. He next served as an officer in the Army for four years and then entered Mid-America Theological Seminary in Memphis. He served various pastorates for the next 12 years before coming to Lisbon. He has a master's in divinity, religious education and marriage and family counseling. He is currently enrolled in a doctorate program for a degree in marriage and family counseling. Married for 20 years to Charlotte, they are the parents of Clay, 18, who is attending Gordon College and Thomas, 16. Lisbon Baptist conducts two services on Sunday, 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., with Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. There is a special program for youth each Wednesday night at 7 p.m. It is at 1662 Ga. Highway 85 south and can be reached at 770-461-1583.
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