November 9, 2025
DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — On Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, the First Baptist Church of Douglasville gathered for its 150th anniversary. The sermons for the month of September were themed around "Building a Legacy That Lasts."
On the first Sunday in September, senior pastor Tim Akin delivered a stirring message based on Ephesians 3:1-6 entitled “A Christ-Centered Missionary.” Akin reminded the church of portions of its history, declaring, “Our church started with a passion to get the gospel not only to our neighborhood, but to the nations."
Akin highlighted the contributions of one member in particular. "There have been amazing pastors and leaders throughout the years, but there has been one giant that stands out among the rest. Her name is Margaret Randall Marchman. She was sent out from our church in WWII to become a missionary to Nigeria from 1941 to 1969.”
Marchman testified, “Our hearts were stirred by the great need of Christ among the thousands of the Ibaraba tribe, more so because no missionary of any board is working among them.” Marchman's selfless and courageous missionary work exemplifies the church’s commitment to global missions.
In recalling some of the church's history, Akin described a tragic event that occurred in 1896 when lightning struck the church’s bell tower, resulting in the wooden structure burning to the ground.
Akin continued, “In addition to the devastating fire, our church has been through two World Wars, civil and social unrest, political assassinations, pandemics, but has continued to serve God through the years. Why? It is because we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people, all the time.”
Having reflected on the past, the worship service on the day of the 150th anniversary started with a period of celebratory song, ushering the people into the courts of praise.
Jon Mancil, the adult discipleship director of the church, welcomed the guests by saying, “We have grown significantly since our founding 150 years ago and we are now a multicultural, multi-generational, multiplying church – one body in Christ worshipping in two languages (English and Spanish) and in multiple locations, gathered today to celebrate the new life that comes from knowing Christ.
Following the baptism of several new converts, Javier Lopez, the Hispanic ministry pastor, joined Akin and interpreted the senior pastor’s words as he recognized the members who had worked tirelessly to prepare for the special celebration and the special guests who had come for the sesquicentennial observance.
A video chronicling the history of the church was shown to the congregation, highlighting First Baptist’s most notable chapters from the past and ending with Dr. Akin articulating his vision for the future.
First Baptist is known for its evangelistic zeal, community engagement and global impact. In 1875, while United States President Ulysses S. Grant was attempting to lead the nation through the Reconstruction era following the Civil War, churches were being established across the land. On Oct. 4 of that year, the Fairburn Association formally recognized a faithful assembly of 26 believers as Douglasville Baptist Church by
While most of the pastorates in the first 75 years were relatively brief, the church continued to grow and have a significant impact on the community. During WWII, the sanctuary located on Church Street was remodeled, and new pews were installed.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the church purchased a new property, added youth huts, and constructed a 35-room educational building. By 1950, the church membership had increased to more than 600, reflecting decades of steady growth.
By 1958, the church had purchased additional property, exchanged land with the city to unify the church campus into a single, continuous plot, and dedicated a new 1000-seat worship center and an additional annex.
Rev. Milton Dwelle became the pastor of the church in 1958, and served the congregation for more than two decades. During his pastorate, the church added a full-time minister of music, launched a kindergarten, and helped to establish two additional churches in Douglas County. During Dwelle’s ministry, the church membership grew to more than 1,200. In 1981, the church called Rev. Woodrow Hudson, who served the church for eight years, continuing the faithful ministry of his predecessors.
In 1990, Rev. John D. Pennington was called to be the church’s pastor and served the church for 27 years. During his tenure, the church purchased 64 acres on Prestley Mill Road, selling 40 acres to what is now West Central Technical College. This provided the land needed for further expansion. On the new campus, the church moved into a new 100,000 square foot structure with a 1,300-seat capacity for worship and the space to host 1,637 for Bible Study, constructed for a cost of $8 million.
Pennington, who had a preaching assignment on the day of the anniversary, wrote a letter expressing his love for the people and congratulating them on the 150 years of faithful witness in Douglas County. Pennington was known for his evangelistic spirit and his dedicated pursuit of those who needed a Christian witness.
On Jan. 7, 2018, the Douglasville church called Tim Akin to be the senior pastor and he has led the church into new ministries and digital initiatives. He has a desire to grow the church’s Hispanic ministry and assist other churches that need the encouragement and help a larger and more resourceful congregation can provide.
The anniversary celebration featured a stirring message by special guest preacher James Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, a friend and mentor to Akin.
"The distinct honor of preaching at First Baptist Douglasville on the 150th anniversary is magnified by the privilege of bringing the message for my dear friend, Dr. Tim Akin, who is like a son to me," Merritt said. "His dad (Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) and I are best friends, and the apple does not fall far from the tree. He is an outstanding young pastor, and I congratulate him and his church on this fantastic milestone.”
Merritt then proceeded to ask the congregation, “What are you going to leave behind when you leave this world behind?” In his message, based on the last words of King David in I Chronicles 28-29, Merritt challenged the congregation to leave a legacy of love, not a legacy of hate. He pointed his hearers to Jesus, whose death, resurrection, and indwelling spirit enable us to have the grace to leave a legacy of honor that will endure.
The anniversary service concluded with the introduction of several new members, followed by a time of fellowship and a celebratory meal on the church grounds. Under clear skies and mild weather, members and guests reflected on the church’s long history of ministry and its enduring mission to share the gospel in Douglasville and beyond.
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