Our History
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The history of Southside Baptist Church (now Central Baptist Church) is dedicated to its faithful pastors and their wives who served during the past fifty years; to the loyal members who have helped make the history; to that, "so great a cloud of witnessed", who have gone on; and to the members of the younger generation who will be the church of tomorrow. "Christ loved the church and gave himself for it." Ephesians 5:25b
Chapter 1 The Beginnings (September
1947 - January 1968)
In January 1947 Rev. Joe Hough, Pastor of the First Baptist
Church of Crestview, appointed four dedicated Christians:
Willie Garrett, Roy Parker, Hubert Medley and T.H.
Edney, to
begin planning
for the
construction of
a mission on South
Pearl Street: a mission
which grew to be Southside Baptist Church. During the first session of the committee, T.H. Edney donated the land (Lots 1 and 2, Block 2, Edney Third Addition) for the mission site, and other committee members donated money for construction material. These actions inspired other First Baptist church members to give money and materials, and the church itself donated $350.00.
Our First Church 1947
Bro. Edney also donated building blocks, roofing for the structure and construction labor. Lumber for the ceiling and floors was given by O.H. Thomason, Sr., H.H. Harris gave heaters for the church and J. B. Johnson contributed light fixtures. Light bulbs for the fixtures were donated by Mrs. Nettie Garrett. Mrs. Garrett and her daughter cleaned the church lawn for the first time and planted cedar trees. Mrs. Garrett also selected paint colors for the church. A new broom for the church was donated by Gus Hinote and Hudson Furniture contributed upholstered chairs used on the altar platform. Construction began in March 1947. While the construction of the church building was underway, many of the church members gathered at 2:30 p.m. each Sunday afternoon, under the old pecan tree near the corner of Edney and Pearl, to hear a sermon by Rev. Joe Haugh. The Pecan tree still stands today at the North end of the Children's Sunday School wing. During chilly weather, church members sometimes gathered within the bare block walls of the building to shelter themselves from the wind. In September 1947, the building was sufficiently complete to hold the first service inside. The church was organized during the month, and officers nominated and elected as follows:
The Rev. Troy B. Land, from Winona, Mississippi became the first pastor in 1947. Since he was a new pastor, it was appropriate that he begin his calling in a completely new church. The first revival held in the church was conducted by Pastor Land's uncle, another Rev. Land. In September 1947, total membership at Southside Baptist Church was 16. By January 1, 1949, when Pastor Land resigned, church membership had grown to 82. In February 1949, Rev. Archie Smith was called as pastor of Southside. When he assumed his duties, the membership was too small to permit a salary, so he received $10 on alternate Sundays. During Rev. Smith's pastorate a front porch was added to the church. Inside the church a baptistry was added, space heaters, and pews. Also, the first addition to the side of the church was completed, now the Children's Wing. On August 30, 1964, after serving faithfully and well, Rev. Smith retired from the ministry. After his retirement from the ministry, Rev. Smith continued to come to the church as a guest speaker, and it was fitting that he was the guest pastor at the 1969 Homecoming service. On September 6, 1964, Bro. H.C. Rutledge was called as pastor of Southside. He resigned April 18, 1965. On July 18, 1965, another young minister, Rev. Raymond Bishop began his first pastorate at Southside Baptist Church. Rev. Bishop's work with the young people was highly successful and the church grew under his ministry. He resigned in May 1967, to go to a pastorate in Robertsdale, Alabama. Lay ministers supplied the pulpit until layman Bob Martin was called as interim pastor, a position he filled for approximately six months. During his service, Bro. Martin refused a salary, and a piano was purchased for the church with salary funds.
Chapter 2 (February 18, 1968 - February 13, 1975) Several new Sunday School classes were organized and the Geohagen Youth Center was constructed.
In 1969, a Church History was prepared for the first time, along with the Constitution and By Laws of Southside Baptist Church. By 1971, the church had outgrown its first building and on February 3, 1971, bonds were sold to build a new and larger church beside the old one. It was completed a few months later. Pastor Harris resigned on June 30, 1974.
Second Sanctuary Building 1972 From July 1, 1974 to October 1974, lay speakers were used until Bro. Raymond Williams was called as interim pastor in November of that year..
Chapter 3 Years of Testing and Growth (February 14, 1975 - August 2, 1992) During this time, two WMU groups were started, one in the morning for ladies who didn't work and one at 8 p.m. for ladies that worked. A library was started with books, tapes, and recorders available for check out. In 1980, the church voted to build an Education Building next to the church. It was designed, built and paid for by members without going into debt.
Education Building 1980
Bro. Garry Winstead was called as Youth Pastor on August 1, 1980 and on January 1, 1984, his position was changed to Associate Pastor. Bro. Garry resigned on August 16, 1992.
On October 20, 1982, the church council approved the purchase of property directly in front of the church for $12,000.00. Rev. Charlie Hinson was called as Minister of Music in the spring of 1983. He resigned in the fall of 1992. Church growth continued and the church voted to build a new sanctuary which would seat 1500 people. On July 21, 1986, the church took on a mortgage for $1,003,539.48. The church was completed and the first service held in the new Sanctuary on Easter Sunday 1987. During Pastor Williams' tenure, the church voted to license Bo Newberry, Ben Corley, Roger Grandstaff and Bob Hathcock to preach. In 1988, Pete and Barbara Gibson, members of Southside Baptist Church, surrendered to full-time mission service and were approved by the Global Outreach Board of Directors to serve in Uganda East Africa. They served there for five and one half years. They are currently serving in the East European country of Romania. On January 7, 1991, a motion was made by the church council to name the care center, the J.T. Williams Care Center, after Bro. J.T. Williams, a long time deacon, now deceased. On August 2, 1992, at a special business meeting, Bro. Raymond Williams' resignation was accepted. Chapter 4 Years of Reaping and Progress (August 3, 1992 - September 1997) The church used lay speakers until Dr. Randal E. Helms was called as pastor October 25, 1992. His first sermon was on December 6, 1992. Bro. Robert Cates was called as Minister of Music and Education in 1993. Dr. Helms resigned in January 1994 and Bro. Cates served as interim until a new pastor was called. Bro. Cates was instrumental in keeping the vision before the people of paying off the mortgage on the church. Through the generosity of a church family, all building funds given by other members were matched. The mortgage was paid off and the note burned on hallelujah Sunday, December 18, 1994. Bro. Cates brought a message on "Repentance", and the church was rededicated. Southside Baptist Church started 1995 completely debt free.
On January 1, 1995, Dr. Randy Huckabee was called as Pastor. Also, on January 1, 1995, Bro. Eric Redmond was called as Minister of Music. The first "Point of Hope Conference for Women" was held at Southside Baptist Church on October 10, 1995, with 20 workshops offered. Special guests were Beth Moore, speaker and Dawn Smith Jordan, Miss South Carolina and runner-up in the Miss America Pageant 1987, speaker and singer. On February 14, 1996, Bro. Troy Turner was called as Director of Student Ministries. On February 18, 1996, he was ordained as a minister and his position changed to Associate Pastor / Students. Sunday night, April 21, 1996, Bro. W.C. Jones shared a vision he had possessed for the last seven years concerning a recreational complex to be built across the street from the church. His family would donate a gift to ProMissions and they, in turn, would be responsible for building the one million dollar building and turn it over to Southside Baptist Church debt free upon completion. The church would be responsible for furnishing the building and the upkeep. Bro. Jimmy Ervin, President of ProMissions, stated this was the largest project in their history, as well as the first stateside project.
The recreation complex (Family Center) would have a main building 140 feet by 90 feet, a senior adult center 40 feet by 40 feet, an aquatics area with a competition swimming pool 36 feet by 75 feet, and a kiddie pool 15 feet by 15 feet. On Sunday, April 18, 1996, the church voted to accept the proposal. Ground was broken for the Family Center on July 28, 1996. At 2:00 p.m. there was a special dedication service with Bro. Jimmy Ervin, President of ProMissions, as the key note speaker. The Family Center later became known as the "ROC", Recreation Outreach Center. During 1996, many improvements were made to the church buildings. The Geohagen Youth Center was renovated, the sanctuary was painted, and became brighter with the addition of better lighting. Sunday School rooms were painted and new carpet installed. The Children's Sunday School rooms were completely remodeled as well as the Education Building. Both wings had outside doors installed, and the Fellowship Hall was entirely recarpeted.
Renovated Adult Education Building Gary Lundy was called as the Director of the Family Center Ministries on January 19, 1997. On January 26, 1997, Bro. Cates submitted his letter of resignation, retiring from full time ministry, March 31, 1997. On March 13, 1997, Ben Findsen was voted Director of Singles Ministry. Sunday night, May 4, 1997, the church voted to accept the Policies and Procedures Manual for the ROC, with the exception of the fitness room and the swimming pool rules. These sections were being delayed for further study. On May 25, 1997, these sections were approved and included in the Policies and Procedures. We honored our High School Graduating Seniors during the Sunday Morning Worship service, June 1, 1997. The following High School Graduates were recognized: Andrew Anderson, Brad Ashing, Jacob Belk, Brian Fedorak, Tommy Blue, Kyle Cox, Jackie Fu, Crystal Gray, Angela Mears, Stephanie Renfroe, Ray Ross, Jammie Salmons, Paul Wadsworth, and Scott Williams. Those Graduating from college or receiving associate degrees were: William Anderson, Brandy Infinger, Jean Turner, and Troy Turner. "Celebration Week" here at Southside is scheduled for August 10-13, 1997. Plans are being made to celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a church, as well as dedicate our new Recreation Outreach Center (ROC). Rev. Troy Land, our first pastor, will be bringing the message Sunday morning, August 10. Dr. Adrian Rogers, past president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church since 1972 is planning on celebrating God's goodness with us. Dr. Rogers will be the speaker for the dedication service on August 11, 1997. Troy B. Land
Troy B. Land First Pastor September 1947 - January 1949 Wife: Nell Dr. B.C. Land, former Executive Director of Stewardship and Promotion for the Florida Baptist Convention, was in Crestview leading the First Baptist Church in a Stewardship Revival. While there, Pastor Joe W. Haugh advised him of the Southside Mission, which was at the point of becoming a "church", and its need for a pastor. In the course of their discussion, Dr. Land told Rev. Haugh of Troy Land, and they thought he might be able to work well at the time with the new church. Bro. Land was invited to visit with the First Baptist leaders and Southside leaders. After this meeting, Bro. Land accepted their invitation to become the first pastor of Southside Baptist Church. Rev. Land stated recently in a letter that Deacon Willie Garrett was a tremendous power of influence, direction and support to him in those days of his grievous inexperience. Rev. Land now serves as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in West Point, Mississippi.
Archie A. Smith
Archie A. Smith Second Pastor February 1949 - August 1964 Wife: Naomi Children: Truett, Edwin, and Mabeline Bro. Smith was born May 9, 1898. He was licensed to preach and was sponsored at Newton Academy by the First Baptist Church at Florala, Alabama. He attended Newton Baptist Academy in Newton, Alabama for two years. He married the former Naomi Steele. Their children are Truett C. Smith and Edwin B. Smith of Merritt Island, Florida and Mabeline Smith Urbanus of Jacksonville, Florida. Bro. Smith went to be with the Lord on April 29, 1979 and his wife joined him on September 11, 1980.
Herschel C. Rutledge
Herschel C. Rutledge Third Pastor September 1964 - April 1965 Wife: Willie Mae Children: Marlene Bro. Rutledge was born August 30, 1907 in Snellville, Georgia. He finished high school and attended New Orleans Theological Seminary. After graduation he pastored churches in Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida. Bro. Rutledge was married to the former Willie Mae Keith. Their daughter, Marlene, is married to D.L. Luke and lives in Crestview. Bro. Rutledge went to be with the Lord May 23, 1983.
Raymond Bishop
Raymond Bishop Fourth Pastor July 1965 - May 1967 Wife: Jo Ann Children: Jan and Denise Bro. Bishop was ordained in August 1965, by the Ocean City Baptist Church. Southside Baptist Church was his first full time ministry. It was under Pastor Bishop's ministry that Garry Winstead accepted Christ. Garry later became the Associate Pastor of Southside. Bro. Bishop resigned in May 1967 to go to a pastorate in Robertsdale, Alabama. Daughter Jan, is married to Scott Collins and they have two children, Aaron and Rachel. They own their own business. Daughter Denise, is married to Steve Musen and they have four children, Addi, Alayna, Amber and Clay. They are presently serving in the Philippines as Community Development workers. Bro. Bishop now pastors the Crosswoods Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky and has been the pastor there for seven years.
Phil Harris Phil Harris Fifth Pastor February 1968 - June 1974 Wife: Joan Children: Joy, Lisa, Jeff
Bro. Harris was born July 4, 1931 in DeBois, Pennsylvania. He graduated from DuBois High School and attended and received degrees from West Coast University A & E, and from Clarksville School of Theology. He was licensed to preach in 1957 by the Unity Roselawn Baptist Church in Illinois. He was ordained as a minister in 1965 by the Calvary Baptist Church in Crestview, Florida. Bro. Harris now serves as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Petal, Mississippi. Raymond E. Williams
Raymond E. Williams Sixth Pastor February 1975 - August 1992 Wife: Margaret Children: (Johnny Ray 2/25/65-6/30/80) & Mark Bro. Raymond E. Williams was born August 6, 1931 in Florala, Alabama. He graduated from Paxton High School, Paxton, Florida. Caney Creek Baptist Church licensed him to preach in November 1970. After four years of preaching and singing with Caney Creek Choir, he felt called to full time service. He accepted interim pastorate at Caney Creek Baptist Church in 1973 and served there for ten months. Bro. Williams came to Southside Baptist Church in November 1974 as interim pastor. On February 14, 1975 he was called as full time pastor. On March 8, 1975 he was ordained as a Baptist Minister. He is now pastor of New Beginnings Church in Crestview, Florida. Randal E. Helms
Randal E. Helms Seventh Pastor December 1992 - January 1994 Wife: Ivy Children: Joshua and Ambe Dr. Helms was born September 13, 1957. He attended Averett College, Danville, Georgia, Luther Rice Seminary, Jacksonville, Florida and Covington Theological Seminary, Rossville, Georgia, where he earned his Masters of Ministry Degree and Doctor of Ministry Degree. He was called to preach in 1975 and was licensed to preach in 1979. He was ordained into the ministry January 13, 1981. Raymond Dixon Huckabee, Jr. (Randy)
Raymond Dixon Huckabee, Jr. (Randy) Eighth Pastor January 1995 - August 2001 Wife: Carlene Children: Aaron and Abigail Randy Huckabee assumed the Pastorate of Southside on January 1, 1995. He was born in North Carolina and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in December 1977. While attending college, he met and married Carlene Griffin of Charlotte. Brother Randy served as the Minister of Youth at Hunter Hills Baptist Church in Greensboro prior to attending New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In July 1980, he completed his Master of Divinity Degree and assumed the Associate Pastor position at First Baptist Church, Ormond Beach, Florida. Since that time, he has served Parkwood Baptist Church at Gastonia, N.C. and First Baptist Church of Bossier City, Louisiana, as an Associate Pastor. In July of 1987, Westchester Baptist Church, in High Point, North Carolina, called him as Pastor. After serving there five and a half years, he assumed the Pastorate at Westside Baptist Church in Warner Robins, Georgia. On December 14, 1992, he received his Doctor of Theology Degree from International Seminary of Plymouth, Florida. Randy and Carlene have two children, Aaron and Abigail.
Dr. Jerry Spencer
Dr. Jerry Spencer Ninth Pastor August 2001 - 2002 Wife: Sue It was at a time when we needed a strong focus as a church, and a vision for the future, that the Lord brought Bro. Jerry to our community. With his proven abilities and leadership skills he gave the church a renewed focus and we became a cohesive unit. Under his leadership Southside changed it's name to Central Baptist Church of Crestview, Inc. Dr. Spencer resigned as our Sr. Pastor in 2002 and presently serves as staff evangelist. Dr. Spencer is a native of Arkansas, born in 1939. He met and married his wife Sue while attending Union University in Tennessee. Dr. Spencer also attended the University of Tennessee and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Bro. Jerry had a pastorate in Tennessee, Texas, Missouri, Florida, Illinois, and Alabama as well as spending 28 years as a full time evangelist and ministering in more than 30 countries. Bro. Jerry was President of the Pastor's Conference of the Southern Baptist Convention in 2002, on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention for nine years, Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1999, President of the Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists in 1974, on the Board of Southeastern and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminaries, Vice President of the Christian Light Foundation, recorded 4 LP albums and authored numerous books and publications.
W. Shane Cravin
W. Shane Cravin Tenth Pastor April 2002 - August 2004 Wife: Kim Children: Jordan, Melonie, Abigail Shane entered the ministry after ranking as a consistent national sales leader with a variety of Fortune 500 companies. He surrendered to preach and was saved under the leadership of Dr. Johnny Hunt and the ministry of First Baptist Church Woodstock, GA. Shane grew up in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and later moved to Roswell, GA in 1978. He is a 1988 graduated of University of Georgia where He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. It was there he met and married his college sweetheart, Kim. Pastor Craven continues at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in the Master of Divinity program. Kim and Shane have three children. His Family is his priority; his calling is his passion; his desire is to encourage and challenge all to reach out an receive all God has planned for their lives. Robert G. Cates
Robert G. Cates Eleventh Pastor April 2005 - March 2006
Wife: Betty
Children: Melody (Cates) Thompson and Janene (Cates) Satterfield
Robert Cates was born and raised in the hills of In 2005 God once again brought Robert and Betty back to us when he took the position as our Senior Pastor. Robert resigned March 5, 2006.
Other Staff Members and Missionaries Garry Winstead
Garry Winstead Associate Pastor / Youth Director August 1980 - August 16, 1992 Wife: Terry Children: Micha and Matthew Bro. Garry was born September 7, 1955 in Crestview, Florida. He graduated from Crestview High School and took courses through Mobile College and Luther Rice Seminary. He was ordained November 10, 1974 by Southside Baptist Church and was called to Southside in August 1980 as Minister of Music. Later his position was changed to Youth Director, and then to Associate Pastor. He is married to the former Terry Thames and they have two children, Micha, born March 5, 1979 and Matt, born June 26, 1980. Bro. Garry resigned August 16, 1992, and now pastors the Ino Baptist Church in Ino, Alabama.
Charlie Hinson, Minister of Music Spring 1983 - Fall 1992 Robert Cates
Robert Cates Associate Pastor / Education May 31, 1993 - March 31, 1997 Wife: Betty Children: Melody(Cates)Thompson and Janene (Cates) Satterfield Robert Cates was born and raised in the hills of West Tennessee. He is a graduate of Milan Tennessee High School, received two degrees from Faith Baptist College and has done graduate work at Lamar University. He is married to the former Betty Parker and they have two children, Janene Satterfield of Knoxville, Tennessee and Melody Cates of Austin, Texas. They have two grandchildren. Robert and Betty have been married 33 years. Robert joined the staff at Southside on May 31, 1993 as Minister of Education / Music. He later held positions as Interim Pastor, and Associate Pastor / Education. Robert retired from active staff ministry after 25 years. He is currently president of the Cates Group and will be traveling, speaking, holding seminars and spending more time with his parents, children, and grandchildren.
Eric Redmond
Eric Redmond Associate Pastor / Worship January 1, 1995 - Present Wife: Becky Children: Stephanie and Jammie Salmons Eric Redmond was born in Nyack, New York on September 30, 1972. His parents moved to Florida two years later, where his dad has been in the ministry ever since. After graduating from Windsor Christian Academy, Eric received his Bachelor of Arts in Theology degree from Florida Baptist Theological College in Graceville. He met Becky Register, who lived in Warner Robins, Georgia, and married her the day after finishing college, August 3, 1991. Eric has been trained in music since he was four years old, and took many music classes in college. Eric went on to receive his Master of Science in Psychology degree at Georgia College in Milledgeville. Eric and Becky began serving at Southside on January 1, 1995. On October 10 of the same year, Eric and Becky had Stephanie Nicole, and on October 21, 1996, Jammie Jeanette Salmons joined their family. They are now expecting another baby due to arrive early December 1997. They look forward to raising their family here in Crestview, with the help and prayers of their Southside family. Troy Turner
Troy Turner Associate Pastor / Students January 14, 1996 - July 26, 2002 Wife: Nina Children: Kyndall & Mason Troy is a life long resident of Crestview. He grew up in Southside and there received Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the age of 7. He surrendered to the ministry at Southside during a revival with Charlie Orr. He was ordained by is home church February 18, 1996. Troy has never been a member of any other church and prays that God might allow him the privilege of staying at Southside to serve. He graduated from Crestview High School in 1987 and from there went to the University of West Florida. He later transferred to Okaloosa Walton Community College where he obtained his AA degree. Troy currently is enrolled at Florida Baptist Theological College where he is pursuing a Bachelor's of Theology degree. Troy's wife Nina, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to Crestview in 1980. Nina graduated from the College of Beauty Careers where she received her state Cosmetology license. Troy and Nina were married at Southside on October 27, 1990. They have two daughters, Kyndall and Dory, and one son, Mason .
Gary Lundy
Gary Lundy Director, Recreation Outreach Center January 19, 1997 - March 15, 1999
Wife: Nancy Gary was born in Milton, Florida and has lived in Crestview for most of his life. He was saved a the age of eight at First Baptist Church in Crestview, Florida. Gary graduated from Crestview High School in 1987, and graduated from the University of West Florida in 1991. Gary attended the University of Florida College of Law and received his J.D. Degree in December 1994. He practiced law with the firm of Mark Welton and Associates, P.A. in Crestview for about one and one half years before starting work at Southside Baptist Church. He surrendered to full-time ministry in April 1996. Nancy was born in Pensacola, Florida and was raised in Holt, Florida. She graduated from Baker High School in 1989. She was saved in 1995 at Southside during the Howard Hunter revival. Gary and Nancy were married at Southside Baptist Church on December 18, 1993.
Pete and Barbara Gibson
Pete and Barbara Gibson Missionaries 1988 - Present
Bro. Pete is overseeing the building of a youth camp near Arad, Romania. God led Bro. Pete to a piece of land that was ideal for the youth camp location. He was able to buy the land in 1996. He put up tents on the property and had two or three youth groups visit there in late 1996. He is also attempting, in love, to impress upon the church leaders the importance of an age level Sunday School program for children that teaches the Bible, and at the same time makes it a fun learning process. Sister Barbara's main mission work is in an orphanage in Arad. She helps care for the orphans and teaches them the Bible, so they can learn about Jesus. Her main work is with Sectia Distrofici Spita. This is a facility where orphans are housed; most of them were abandoned at birth in the state birthing hospital. She also works with the local churches in Sunday School Teacher's Training, and assists one of the churches in Arad as a teacher's assistant.
Research for the material for the history of Central Baptist Church included the following sources: Church bulletins, Church Clerk Minutes, Deacons, past history reports, senior members and Pastors. § Return to Top §
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