Baker’s Chapel Baptist Church

 

The origin of many new churches is the outgrowth or division of existing churches.  This is a biblical concept of church “birthing.”  On April 2, 1975, Baptist believers branched out from other churches to form a new church they named Baker’s Chapel.  A new sanctuary with joining classrooms was constructed on land just south of highway 74, a short distance from the White Hill Free Will Baptist Church.  Land for the new ministry was purchased from a long time community resident, Ms. Gretchen B. Hatcher. 

 

The new church called Rev. Davis Locklear as their pastor, and Brother Lewis Brooks was elected as Sunday School Superintendent.  Growth was immediate as many in the community responded to the preaching of the gospel.  Among other early leaders were Brothers Rufus Strickland, William H. Locklear, Floyd Locklear, and Tommy Deese and their wives.

 

A new fellowship hall was constructed and additional land purchased in 1979 to provide for a spacious parking lot.  In 1983, a change of pastors led to the interim ministry of Rev. Grady Chavis, a licensed minister with Island Grove Baptist Church.  In 1985 the church was led to call Rev. Lindbergh Chavis, a young minister from the Bear Swamp Baptist Church.  Rev. Chavis, a carpenter by trade was later hired full-time.  He continues to serve as pastor at the writing of this history in 1999.  His popular and powerful preaching has been fruitful.  The church also employs an Assistant Pastor, Rev. Shelton Locklear, a church clerk and a music director. 

 

Through the years, several stages of renovation have taken place including new restrooms, a church baptismal pool, seven classrooms, media center, pastor’s study, and a beautiful, spacious sanctuary.  Additional land has been purchased for future growth.

 

Baker’s Chapel is proud of its affiliation with the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association.  Over the years it has participated in the many mission projects and has shared its leadership with the association in many ways.