How it all started...
In the first week of August 1959, the Baptist churches of the Southern Baptist Convention prepared for a revival in Iron County. During prayer meetings in Annapolis, Lonnie Harrison felt called to start a mission in the area, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Mrs. Faye Butler made the first donation, and soon after, Harrison found a space to rent — the vacant Roy Mann barbershop. The first service was held on August 9, 1959, with humble beginnings, including donated chairs and a borrowed piano. The mission quickly gained support, with Brother Arvist Gillam preaching the first sermon, and by September, the mission was officially organized with leadership roles filled and plans for future growth.
By March 13, 1960, the mission had grown into a full-fledged church. With 105 attendees from various local churches, the Annapolis Southern Baptist Mission was officially constituted. The church was organized in an old garage building near the Post Office, with Brother Gillam called as pastor. The church received its first financial gift and started making plans for its future, including the establishment of a Cooperative Program and its first Bible School. The first revival and Bible school held in 1960 saw 12 salvations and strong community support. The church continued to grow, and by August of that year, the first deacons were ordained.
By March 13, 1960, the mission had grown into a full-fledged church. With 105 attendees from various local churches, the Annapolis Southern Baptist Mission was officially constituted. The church was organized in an old garage building near the Post Office, with Brother Gillam called as pastor. The church received its first financial gift and started making plans for its future, including the establishment of a Cooperative Program and its first Bible School. The first revival and Bible school held in 1960 saw 12 salvations and strong community support. The church continued to grow, and by August of that year, the first deacons were ordained.
Expanding the vision...
The vision of Annapolis First Baptist Church is to build a community of believers who deeply know God and passionately make Him known. We strive to witness lives transformed by the power of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and share His love with others.
To Know God and to Make God Known
Where we are headed...
The mission of Annapolis First Baptist Church is the same mission Jesus gave his followers: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
