By Staff
CONSTRUCTION WORK Michael Lee of D &E Construction levels land for the foundation for the Lauderdale Baptist Association building. Construction is in the works on any 8,844 square-foot building. Much of the labor will be completed by volunteers from churches affiliated with the association. Photo by Carisa McCain / The Meridian Star.
By Ida Brown / religion editor
May 25, 2002
A little more than a century after its founding, the Lauderdale Baptist Association has relocated to Marion from Meridian.
The association is now housed in a temporary office while renovations are underway on a permanent building increasing its size from 2,422 square feet to 8,844.
According to the Rev. Wayne Edwards, associational missions director, the building project is the result of a generous donation.
Estimated cost for new construction, parking and renovation of the existing building is $300,000 to $350,000.
While the foundation and other major work will be done by contractors and other professionals, volunteer labor will complete much of the building project.
Churches or individuals interested in volunteering should check the Lauderdale Baptist Association Web site at www.lauderdalebaptistassoc.com. Or, call 483-1419.
The association
Founded in 1901, the Lauderdale Baptist Association is a conglomerate of 44 Southern Baptist churches in Lauderdale County. Its vision statement is: Missions, Training and Fellowship.
Through its missions, the LBA advances causes by "doing together what we could never do alone," according to its vision statement. This is done through such entities as a Crisis Center and the Baptist Student Union.
The Crisis Center assists low-income families with food, personal care and cleaning items, as well as distributes Bibles.
The Baptist Student Union offers weekly noon devotional sessions featuring guest speakers and free lunch for students at Meridian Community College during the fall and spring semesters.
The BSU also has mission trips; FOCUS, a weekly nighttime worship service for members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Wesley Foundation and the Baptist Student Union at MCC; drama teams; and worship leadership teams.
Through training, the LBA equips local churches and its leaders to do the best job possible in the functions of the church. This is achieved through several scheduled events.
Sunday School Cluster Meeting: Aug. 19
Leadership training events: Worship Planning, Aug. 12; Stress Management, Oct. 7; and January Bible Study Preview, Dec. 9
Bible Drills: Open to children in grades fourth through sixth and seventh through 12th, the competition is held in spring.
Women's Missionary Union: Spring meeting and fall leadership training
Vacation Bible School Clinic.
Sunday School Pilot Project: a meeting of five churches within the association to work on improving their Sunday School and outreach programs.
Search Committee Training for pastors and staff.
The Lauderdale County Baptist Association also offers fellowship among members, regardless of size, economics, abilities, methods or locations.
This is achieved through several programs.
Ministers Conference: Monday mornings at 11 in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church, Marion.
Youth events: "See You at the Pole," "DiscipleNow" and "True Love Waits."
Music events: Mass Choir and Youth Christmas Musical.
Consultation with pastors, staff and church members.
For more information about the Lauderdale Baptist Association, contact the Rev. Wayne Edwards at 483-1419. For the Crisis Center, contact Datha Ray, director, at 482-4230.