BAY, Arkansas – Bay First Baptist Church on Sunday marked the retirement of a $1.5 million debt on its sanctuary with a note burning celebration and worship.
The congregation moved into the new sanctuary in September 2017. When they constructed the building, Pastor Danny Taylor said the plan to pay it off was to have a special love offering every fifth Sunday – about four times a year.
“We spent a lot of time praying at this time, praying for the love offering, praying for our church,” Taylor said. “In seven years, (the church) eliminated that debt. We had our note burning and have continued to grow and reach the community. It’s been a blessing.”
Dr. Ed Gillham, associational missionary for the Mt. Zion Baptist Association, and Jim Tubbs, president of Regions Bank-retired, joined the congregation for the note burning celebration.
Prior to constructing a new sanctuary, as it was seeing growth, the church had already begun to renovate its property, renovating the educational building and constructing a larger parking lot.
According to the Annual Church Profile, since 2015, the church has increased membership by roughly 13 percent. In the last 12 months, the church has reported 11 baptisms.
The church has several events on the calendar, including a fishing derby this Saturday, Sept. 28. For more on Bay First Baptist Church, visit bayfbc.org.