The 150-Year Heritage of First Baptist-Boone
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irst Baptist Church of Boone recently enjoyed our people bring hope to the community. For By Roy Dobyns, Jr. Senior Pastor 150th Anniversary Celebration: A Heritage and Vision example, from the corner in 2015, church First Baptist–Boone of Sharing God’s Love from 1871-2021. The celebra- bells rang and members of the congregation included a Service of Worship on Sunday, September tion gathered on the steps, mourning the needless loss of 12, 2021, For the Lord is good: his steadfast love endures for- human lives at the Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, ever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:5. SC. In 2018 the community gathered on the steps to mourn The gathering for worship included remarks from mission the loss of human lives at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburg, partners Larry Hovis of CBFNC and Tom Beam of the NC PA. And 2021 the church gathered on the steps to mourn Baptists on Mission. Special, sacred music was shared by the loss of two local law enforcement officers as they were the chancel choir and organ, as well as prayers and read- carried home to their ings from former ministers, and a sermon by Reverend final resting place. Gerald Hodges of Roxboro. An exhibit hall of historical artifacts was on display in the church Library/Media Center. The Celebration continued with a birthday party in the parking lot the following Wednesday. First Baptist-Boone sits at the corner of King and College Streets in downtown Boone, adjacent to Appalachian State University. Reverend Roy A. Dobyns Jr. has served as the senior pastor since September 2009. The ministerial staff is also comprised of Billy Ralph Winkler, minister of Tommy Justus, pastor of Mars Hill Music, and Tierney Boss, College Ministry assoBaptist and former youth pastor at ciate. Tierney also serves as the North Carolina First Baptist Boone with Larry Hovis, Cooperative Baptist Student Fellowship App State CBFNC executive coordinator. campus minister (CBSF). The support staff includes The corner location is a constant reminder to the conFaye Ayers, organist; Carol Lea Liles, administrative office gregation of our purpose of feeding, forgiving and healing assistant; and Michael Turner, building and grounds. One Hundred and Fifty years ago, a newly formed by serving the local community through missions such as First Baptist Church had a charter membership of just 17. the Christmas Day Lunch, a weekly food pantry, college day The Watauga County courthouse provided the first place free lunch and a local school supply storage. Music ministry and traditional worship have always of worship. The first church building was a white, wood framed structure erected on Rivers Street in 1875. A new been important to FBC Boone. The music ministry is made building was constructed on the corner of King and College up of the chancel choir, organist, choral scholars, handbell Streets in 1916, which is where the church is located today. choirs and choirs for all ages. Cantatas and productions The spirit of a loving and mission hearted church is during Advent and Lent are looked forward to every year. FBC Boone has long recognized women in ministry exemplified by the vision statement…“to share God’s love on this corner, from this corner, to every corner.” The beau- and leadership. By the latter decades of the 20th Century, tiful steeple and church bells placed on a corner by a faithful women were elected as deacons. More recently, in 2012, First Baptist began participation in Baptist Women in Ministry Sundays in support of women called by God to preach. Please pray for the First Baptist Church of Boone. Join me in thanking God for our remarkable heritage and continued vision to share God’s love “on this corner, from this corner, to every corner.” Portions of this article were taken from the history submitted by the 150th Anniversary History Sub-Team. Winter 2021 | 5
