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History Continued

Rev. Bruce Murphy,(1970-1993) came to Second on December 13,1970. The church continued to go forward in many ways. We had a full time interpreter to the deaf, a Christian Activity Building, renovated the front of the church, purchased handbells, renovated the sanctuary and added additional staff.In Feb. 1972, the church purchased a bus and we began a bus ministry.On Jan 6,1973, the church had it's 50th anniversary. We had a huge ice storm and it all had to be cancelled because no one could make it.In April 1974, the church started a childrens church.The church voted to renovate the educational building part of the building and it began in July 1975 and finished in Sept. In Oct. the material was bought to make drapes for the newly renovated educational space and offices.In august 1973, the church voted to close the Cook St. mission and bus the people to SBC. They ran the bus every Sunday morning. April 1975, the church voted to renovate the entire educational space and in October 1975 a dedication day was held for the renewed building. We had a dinner on the ground that day and a musical,Reaching People, was performed that night. In March 1978, through gifts of many, we purchased a set of Schulmerick handbells and cases, the finest available.
In 1979, Second Baptist had the only deaf fellowship in South Ark and the only deaf choir in the state. The director was Lillie Faye Oldham. Febuary 1980 brought a new sound system with a added special system for the hearing impaired. We had an adult and youth handbell choir. In May 1983 , the church celebrated 60 years. The Reverend Lehmon Webb bought the message that morning and a noon meal followed, provided by the church. The afternoon was a time of sharing, singing and members for 50 years were recognized. Guests included the Reeds,Brays,Webbs and Richard Johnsons. There was no night service.



June 1986, the church installed their first computer system.January 1986, the church voted to sell the bus and buy another van. In Febuary 1986, the church had 130 place settings of china donated to them and then in May through donations of church ladies,received 136 place settings of flatware to go with the china. In Sept.1988, the church had a long range planning committee to do a report on the building. The building was judged to be sound but said the church needed a elevator, ramps and new added Sunday School space. In 1990 the church got new gutters, waterproofing and the windows glazed. On Sunday Sept 9,1990, the church held a burning of a note that was made for the purpose of renovating the building in 1975. In March 1991, Mrs Ruth Dyers house was given to the church by her family. After appraisal, the members were given first choice to buy it. It was sold for $20,000. In August 1991, extensive renovation began on the sanctuary and surrounding areas. New paint,carpet, padded pews,new stained glass windows,drapes, pulpit area and a new sound system was to be done.
Rev Murphy resigned his pastorate in Aug.1993.The church voted to sell the parsonage, which was appraised at 68,000 dollars, to the pastor. After some discussion, a motion was made and seconded to sell him the house for $1.00. The property was deeded to the Murphys in January 1994 with a letter saying that the church gave you the parsonage out of love and graditude.



Dr. Dwain Miller(1994-present) came to Second in 1994 and the church started a big growth period. Bro. Dwain is the youngest pastor we had hired. He was only 27 years old. He is a very dynamic speaker and a wonderful pastor. Under his leadership the church voted to renovate the kitchen, putting in additional sinks, ovens,convection oven, stoves, dishwasher,disposal, new cabinets and flooring. In July 1995, the church opened a elevator fund with a sacrificial offering Sunday and in 1996 , installation began on the new elevator.
We have a television program on Tuesday night and Thursday nights and Sunday morning and Sunday night. We have built a playground for the preschool department. We have plans to remodel the preschool or nursery area for our babies. We have a mothers day out program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have a hipanic ministry and a half way house ministry program. We have a ministry to the Southside Boys and Girls Club.In 1996, Second Baptist adopted a purpose statement: Second Baptist Church is a body of called out believers, made one in Christ, whose purpose is to know and do the will of the Father, to his glory, which is to make disciples through preaching and teaching the Gospel.
In 1997, the church bought a new van and erected a carport to cover both vans. In Sept. 1997, Jimmy Goad, erected a four foot by eight foot lighted marquise sign on the northwest corner of church property in memory of his late wife Mary Nell Goad. In 1998, the church purchased a new 1999 ,26 passenger bus and sold the blue van. In Aug 1999, the church hired a media director to edit tapes for the TV ministry and prepare slides for the church services. Feb.2000, the church voted to build the preschool children a playground. It was built and fenced in on the Northeast corner of the property. On April 26,1998, Second Baptist celebrated it's 75th anniversary. We had a morning worship led by Brother Dwain and had music by Karen Peck and New river. After worship , we had a catered fish dinner outside in the parking lot area. Then we had a afternoon service with more great music and several guests that brought wonderful musical messages.



We have just elected a committee to look into expansion of the auditorium or church or what ever seems best to accomadate the people.We took a survey to see if the people wanted to build on in our present location or move, buy land and build a new church. The 1st week in October 2000, we voted to stay where we are and build on to the existing building, upgrade the air conditioning and the sound system and enlarge the choir loft. But the vote was so close that no one wanted to go forward with almost half the people against it, so it's on hold for now.We have bought property at Yocum and Mt. Holly to enlarge the parking lot. Paved and fenced all the parking area, across the street. Have covered parking for the buses and vans.
The church has a senior pastor , worship pastor, youth pastor and executive pastor ,as well as secretaries, custodians, preschool coordinator and others staff members. August 2001, the Sunday School and Morning Worship times were changed to 9 and 10 respectively, so Bro Miller could hold a off premise bible study for reaching people that wouldn't come into a church building. He held the services at a local movie theater.




Second Baptist is called the Fellowship Of Love.It is a church on fire for the Lord. Everyone is welcome here. If you are in our neighborhood and would like to visit us, please do. We would love to have each and every one. Click on the NEXT link below and you can see some pictures.