LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Our History as compiled by the late
Alleyne E. Woodward
Alleyne E. Woodward
According to history, early in the 1800's there was a church located a few miles north of Auburn known as Old Bethel Church. It was widely known as a hard shell baptist church.
It might be of some interest how a new church was formed. Some of the members of this hard shell body of believers began searching the scriptures. With prayerful consideration, the members were convinced they should be more mission minded. This really was looked upon with perfect disdain by Bethel's sons, and this viewpoint brought severe treatment to these early mission minded men and women.
But, determined, and by hard effort, they finally obtained their letters of dismissal and on September 27, 1828, they were organized into a missionary baptist church. This This new church building was a log building, and it stood where our beloved church stands today.
The Lord's work began with renewed faith and zeal. The membership at this time was 101 Caucasians, and 55 African Americans.
After much discussion, the members were concerned with what this new body of believers would be called. At this time, Sister Warden stood and said, "Because of the persecution we have been through, its name should be 'Liberty.'" The brethren said "Amen;" thus it was named.
Phillip Warden, one of the charter members of this new church, was pastor for 13 years. Bro. Warden was widely known and recognized as a godly man who depended solely on the Lord for leadership.
During the early years of Liberty Baptist Church, it ordained five of its own sons. Four of these were Caucasian, and one was African American. One was Robert Woodward. He was ordained on July 29, 1840. After Bro Phillip Warden's death, Bro Robert Woodward was called, and he served Liberty as pastor for 43 years, from 1840 to 1883.
At the death of Bro. Robert Woodward, Bro. Woodford Hall was ordained in 1880 and served Liberty from April 19, 1884 to 1900.
Thomas Matheal, an African American, was ordained in 1869. It was at this time all the African American members were granted letters to organize a church in Auburn, which is Macedonia Baptist Church.
For many years prior to the Civil War, the baptist people of Auburn attended the rural churches in the area. Liberty Baptist was organized in 1828 and the New Friendship Baptist Church in 1832. After the railroad came through Auburn, the town began to grow, and people talked of the need for a baptist church in the little village.
Two ladies of the Liberty membership began visiting the homes of baptist people in Auburn, searching for people who would help start a church. Their efforts were successful when Auburn Baptist Church was organized in May 1866. This happened all because of the efforts of two dedicated Liberty members.
As you can tell, Liberty Baptist was, and still is, a lighthouse to the community. After being in existence for 180 years, Liberty has grown from a small log building to a beautiful, spacious structure nestled in the heart of the community. In recent years, the development of a new educational wing proved evidence of the expanded ministry. The ability to enter into it debt free proved the church's sacrifices and trust in the Lord Himself.
God truly has blessed Liberty Baptist Church for 180 years. And as a congregation, we continue to grow and reach people for the cause of Christ. We believe confidently that it is only by His grace, mercy, and undying love that we will stand firm on our foundation, and fulfill "Our Place in Time."
