Local church celebrates 100th anniversary

First Baptist Church of Niceville is planning a special celebration to commemorate its 100th anniversary on Oct. 3, 2010.

The Century Celebration will be held at the church, 622 Bayshore Drive. The historic day will begin with an informal Fellowship time at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The special Celebration Worship Service, featuring a large alumni/member choir and several former pastors, begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude with a luncheon on the grounds. The community is invited to join in the celebration.

The church was originally founded as a Missionary Baptist Church by 29 members of the Goodwater Baptist Church of Black Oak on Oct. 1, 1910. Initially named Damascus Baptist Church of Boggy Bayou, services were held monthly and the first pastor was paid a salary of only $10 per month.

The church has continued to serve the Niceville community for the past 100 years and currently has two worship services weekly with more than 1,200 members.

“This celebration is an opportunity to recognize the challenges and the positive impacts of the First Baptist Church and the Niceville community over the past 100 years,” said Sandy Sims, chairman of the 100th Anniversary committee. “It is very unique to find a church that has endured for a century in the same location. This is a result of the faithfulness and determination of our membership and our leadership — past and present.”

For more information on the 100th Anniversary Celebration and the history of First Baptist Church of Niceville, contact the church office at 850-678-4126 or Sandy Sims at 850-376-8440.

This article was contributed to The Log.