Our Church History

October 23, 1938, the Mounds Baptist Church was first dedicated. The community was growing rapidly, but there was no Sunday School for the boys and girls to attend. Mr. And Mrs. William Lee, living in this community and watching these boys and girls, hungered that they might learn to know their Savior. In April of 1935, Mr. And Mrs. Lee opened the door of  their home for Sunday School. They were assisted by Mr. And Mrs. Charles Wolbert, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Vest and Russell Webster, who was then Chairman of  the Board of Deacons of the First Baptist Church. Through the diligent efforts of the leaders, and the prayers of many interested people, the

Sunday School was carried on for 8 months in the Lee home. By January 1, 1936, the Lee home was too small to care for the increased attendance. A store building was rented by the First  Baptist Church, and although the building was only 14’ x 28’ in size and very humble, it became God’s House. Many people discovered their need of a Savior and accepted His way in this building. God was good to us under the leadership of these fine people. In July, 1936, it became necessary to change leaders, as those in charge felt unable to carry the work further.  Horace Shuman was chosen as temporary leader, and in September,  Mr. and Mrs. Russell Webster and Horace Shuman assumed the work together. Under these leaders it continued to grow until 125 people were packed into the small frame building. All this was not without heartache and disappointment, but we thank God today for those times.  Early in 1938, we began to think in terms of a new Church. The recession was on and very little money was to be had, but God inspired this small group to build.  We soon raised  $900.00,  and a lot, purchased from Missions of the First Baptist Church,  was given us.  With $900.00, a lot, and 400 days labor  promised, we erected, each one doing his part----digging a ditch, laying a block, or

driving a nail.  Six months’ labor ended with dedication services being held on October 23, 1938.  With Russell Webster as preacher, superintendent, teacher, and leader, we set out to bay the $2500 mortgage on the Church. One year later  we burned this mortgage. In June, 1940, we called our first pastor and his wife, Rev. and Mrs. E. L. McClain. He is now Minister of Education of the Calvary Baptist Church in Washington D.C..  Under his leadership the Church grew and many things were added to the building.

 

In 1945, God called Rev. and Mrs. McClain to the associate pastor  of First Baptist Church, in Indianapolis. In February, 1946, God led out pulpit committee to Rev. and Mrs. Arthur Proctor at Petersburg, Indiana. Rev. Proctor was a man of great experience as a pastor and in the evangelistic field.  A volume could be written about Rev. Proctor: his passion for

the lost, his concern for his church in times of sickness,  heartache and need an inspiration to all.  We praise God for his great leadership of 14 years.

 

On Wednesday evening,  December 27,  1950,  the Church  we loved and labored to build,  was consumed by fire.  Again God was Master of the situation and placed a burning desire in our hearts and a will to carry on.   The Seventh Day Adventist and Chesterfield Christian Churches were very kind in permitting us to use their buildings for our Sunday morning and evening services.  Our Wednesday night prayer meetings were continued in the various homes.  We cannot praise God enough, because our people stuck together in traveling place to place,  and many souls were saved.

 

We tore down the remaining part of the old building and cleared the way for the erection of our present structure.  Much money was needed this time to start a new building, but our people met that need by sacrificing, and the giving of their bonds and savings.  Yes, some even mortgaged their personal property and homes in order to erect this building.

 

In February of 1951,  the basement was completed and dedicated to the glory of God.  This met our needs until March, 1956, when the remainder of the building was completed and dedicated. The completed Church was viewed with great pride because of six years of  sacrifice and prayers.  Some of those who bore the burden of leadership during the trying

days of our Church’s infancy were not here to share this great joy.  Among these were Mr. and Mrs. William Lee and Mr. Russell Webster.

 

The Church still did not stop expanding.  In 1959, we acquired the land surrounding the church for more parking area.

In April, 1960, the lord called another one of our great leaders home.  The Rev. Arthur Proctor went to be with the Lord. Our Church was not to stand still:  Horace Shuman filled the pulpit until another pastor could be called. 

In August of 1960, after much prayer and consideration, the Rev. and Mrs. John R. Wood and family were called to lead our Church.  Since then we have been experiencing a still greater leadership.  Our Church has grown spiritually as well as in numbers.  God’s work is still going on and we praise God for these leaders who are giving their all toward the Church.

 

On May 6, 1962, a new parsonage at 1029 Greenbrier Drive, was dedicated to the Lord.  This was a much needed structure,  since the old one was very much in need of repair.

 

May we as a united Church press forward along the path and reach the goal which our Master has laid out for us. Our Church is still growing in numbers, and the classrooms are filled to capacity. With these increasing needs, we are looking forward in the near future when the construction of an educational building may become a reality.

 

                                                                                                                       By Wilbur Walford

 

All information and photos taken from the book “Mounds Baptist Church 25^th Anniversary”

 

 

                                                                                                 

 

Mr. & Mrs. William Lee

Founders of Mounds Baptist Church

April 1935

First Teaching Staff Of Mounds Baptist Church --1937 Left to right, Mrs. Minnie Shaw, Horace Shuman, Russell Webster, William Lee, Mrs. Nellie Webster, Mrs. William Lee, Mrs. Ethel Lindzy, Rev. Jewel.

January, 1936