Sunday, August 12, 2001
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Sunday, August 12, 2001 |
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Homecoming causes us to look backward and forward at same time
By DR. DAVID L. CHANCEY
Forgive us at McDonough Road Baptist for feeling somewhat nostalgic this weekend, but we're celebrating "Homecoming 2001." You realize that homecoming is a special event for the church crowd. It's about reunions, covered dish dinners, hugs, laughter and catching up. It's about seeing old friends and making new ones. It's also about remembering where you've been and reviewing how God has blessed your spiritual journey thus far. In 1919, a group of Baptists and Methodists began a Sunday School on the corner of Southeast Main and Francis Streets in old College Park. The group met faithfully and formally chartered the church on Sept. 25, 1921. The Baptists outvoted the Methodists and formed a Baptist church, taking the name of Second Baptist Church of College Park. The Rev. Y. A. Brown was called as first pastor and served 1921-23. The Rev. C. A. Adams followed and served four years. Then Toombs McGaughey came in July 1927 and stayed 30 years. Buildings were added, membership grew, and the church really flourished during those years. Many current members date back to the days of the Southeast Main location and remember fondly the nurture they received during those formative years. The Rev. Dr. Raymond Moore came in June 1957, and continued to give loving leadership to a strong church. The church continued to reach people and was well regarded in the area. In 1965, as Atlanta was growing, College Park residents began hearing about airport expansion. In May 1967, the city of Atlanta notified the church that it would be taken when the airport expanded. Dr. Moore guided the church through the major challenge of negotiating with Atlanta city officials and transitioning the church. It was an anxious time as the church family wondered what the future held for their ministry. A generous church member, G. W. Northcutt, stepped forward and gave land for relocation on what eventually became Norman Drive, directly across from North Clayton High School. The church dedicated new facilities April 19, 1970 and continued a strong ministry in a new location with Bible study attendance eventually reaching into the 700s. Dr. Moore resigned in October 1975, and was followed by Paul Mason, Phil Jett, and J. W. Wallis, who each continued a tradition of strong, loving pastoral leadership. In a day in which Southern Baptist pastors average less than a four-year tenure, this church has had only eight pastors. That record reflects wonderfully upon the quality of these men combined with the wonderful spirit of cooperation and love from a supportive congregation. In the late 1980s, membership started declining as members began to move away from a community that began to face many changes. The church had no plans to move and continued to attempt to minister to the surrounding area. Out of the blue, Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Emmanual McCall, approached Second Baptist about the possibility of purchasing their facilities. The church family prayed and worked through the decision, and decided to sell and relocate to land previously purchased on McDonough Road in Fayetteville. The two congregations harmoniously shared facilities for two years as Second Baptist again transitioned to a new location. Dr. Wallis gave wonderful pastoral care during this time of excitement combined with grief by many who had worshiped in College Park for many years. The church family drove by motorcade to its new location in March, 1994, taking on a new name, moving into brand new facilities, and walking by faith into a new, tremendous opportunity. Into this rich history and upon this tremendous opportunity God placed me in November 1999 after Dr. Wallis served 15 years. I am overwhelmed and grateful to serve such a wonderful church family in such a great community. God's hand of provision and leadership has been upon this church family all along. Reflecting on 80 years of ministry helps us to see where God has been at work, and prompts us to rededicate ourselves to the present while anticipating God's continued blessings in the years ahead. That's what Homecoming is about. Looking back to a great past, renewing our commitment to the present and moving forward into a new day. The Rev. Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist, 352 McDonough Road, Fayetteville. Bible study is at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. each Sunday. .
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